After outstanding performances in this World Cup so far, including an absolute screamer to overcome Ghana on Wednesday night, Mesut Ozil is likely to be a target for some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Ozil’s first broke into Schalke’s side at the age of just 17, and was an integral part of the team that finished second in the Bundesliga in 2006-2007. He then refused to sign a contract, and Schalke were forced to cash in on their biggest asset. Werder Bremen coughed up €4.3m for him in January ’08, making him the most expensive German teenager in history.
Ozil was outstanding at the 2009 U-21 European championships, and was particularly brilliant against England in the final, where he was voted man of the match and scored a great goal in a 4-0 victory.
He also had a great season for Bremen over the past ten months, scoring eleven goals from midfield. Ozil is Germany’s most creative player, and despite his young age coach Joachim Low has had little hesitation of building the national team around him – Ozil has already won 12 caps.
“He is a player that fits perfectly with my ideas,” said Low. “He plays a very high level, he can win the ball easily and then produce a telling shot. He is a playmaker and can produce some passes which split defences.”
Potential suitors: Barcelona, Arsenal, Man City, Juventus, Man Utd, Real Madrid
Ozil was tipped before the World Cup as a player to watch out for, and hasn’t disappointed. He was the best player on the pitch against Australia in a 4-0 win, and scored a wondergoal against Ghana to put them through to the next round.
Ozil has been linked to many teams over the last year, including Man Utd, Man City, and Juventus. He has been most strongly linked to Arsenal, and would be an ideal replacement for Fabregas if the Arsenal captain chooses to go to Barcelona. Ozil’s preference, however, would be the same as Fabregas – it’s his dream to play at the Nou Camp.
“I’ve found Barcelona fascinating, ever since I was small,” he has told the German press. “Signing for them is a dream of mine.”
Whoever manages to land his signature, they will probably have to stump up at least €25million.
– Conor Hogan
