Jakub Zieliński, a 17-year-old goalkeeper from the Legia Warsaw academy, has joined VfL Wolfsburg for a sum exceeding 1 million euros – with bonuses of up to 1.7 million. Legia has also secured 10% of the future transfer. This is a record sale of a player from the capital club's academy.
Why Wolfsburg?
Zieliński is the ideal profile for the German training model: he played in the UEFA Youth League, made his debut in the third division as a 14-year-old, and despite his young age, he impresses with his maturity and goalkeeping technique. VfL plans to develop him calmly – initially in the reserves – but with a clear prospect of playing at a higher level.
The structure and importance of transfer
For Legia : large profit without debuting in Ekstraklasa, additional % from future sales.
For Wolfsburg : an investment in the future as a goalkeeper, perhaps ultimately as Grabara's successor.
For the player : an environment with a high standard of working with youth, without the pressure of an immediate debut.
Summary
The transfer of Jakub Zieliński is an example of a well-thought-out strategy by all parties. Wolfsburg receives a promising player, Legia a financial boost and potential profit in the future, and Zieliński himself goes to a place that can use his potential to the maximum.