MY ACCOUNT
FC Salzburg’s production line shows no sign of slowing down — and their array of talent will be on display once again tonight.
Bidding to spring a surprise against the might of Bayern Munich are a host of players who have been linked with moves to Europe’s biggest clubs.
But which prodigies could follow in the footsteps of Sadio Mane, Dayot Upamecano and Erling Haaland?
Ahead of the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash in Germany, we take a look at the Austrian club’s most in-demand stars.
Karim Adeyemi
Most of the focus going into this tie has been on Karim Adeyemi, who Bayern released as a 10-year-old back in 2012.
The first Austria-based player to be capped by Germany since World War II, Salzburg’s main man is tearing it up domestically and in Europe.
Adeyemi, 20, has amassed 18 goals at an average of 0.82 per 90 minutes across both Austrian Bundesliga and Champions League fixtures. Throw in his three assists and he is registering almost one goal contribution per game.
He is one of the continent’s most sought-after strikers and has been linked with a return to Bayern — with Chelsea also said to be interested, having tried to sign him four years ago.
Brenden Aaronson
One of many exciting young Americans to emerge in recent years, Brenden Aaronson has reportedly been on the radar of both Liverpool and Leeds.
So often Salzburg’s creative spark — playing as the most advanced midfielder in Matthias Jaissle’s side — the 21-year-old’s cool flick set up Chukwubuike Adamu as the Red Bulls drew 1-1 with Bayern in the first leg.
Aaronson has also shown an eye for goal — so far mainly on the international stage, where he has found the net five times in 18 appearances for the United States.
The opportunity to play for six-time European champions Liverpool may well be an enticing prospect. But a move to Elland Road would see him link up once again with compatriot Jesse Marsch, who was his first boss at Salzburg.
Rasmus Kristensen
Including their two-legged play-off against Brondby, Salzburg have only conceded nine goals in nine Champions League encounters this term, with right-back Rasmus Kristensen a crucial ever-present in their backline.
This record includes a notable clean sheet against LaLiga title challengers Sevilla and an impressive defensive display against free-scoring Bayern.
Like so many German coaches, Jaissle employs an intense press — and Kristensen appears to love getting stuck in. No player in Europe’s elite competition has made more tackles than his 33 (4.71 per 90).
The 24-year-old has not scored in continental competition but has struck six times in the league and provided three assists.
West Ham have been rumoured to be keeping tabs on the former Ajax and Midtjylland man, as have Borussia Dortmund — who signed his former Salzburg team-mate Haaland in January 2020.
Noah Okafor
Odeyemi may be Salzburg’s top scorer but Noah Okafor also knows where the net is — as highlighted by his tally of 10 goals in 21 Austrian Bundesliga and Champions League appearances.
The versatile Swiss forward, who is capable of operating across the front line, has even outperformed his in-demand colleague in terms of goals per 90 so far this term, posting an average of 0.88.
Although likely to be ruled out of this encounter with a hamstring injury, the 21-year-old’s form has reportedly caught the eye of Newcastle.
The Magpies will surely be in the market for attacking additions this summer and their mighty wealth ought to put them in a favourable position.
Setting the standard
Salzburg have earned a deserved reputation as a talent factory — buying young players, developing them and selling them on for a healthy profit.
It is a process their sporting director Christoph Freund is particularly proud of.
Speaking last year, he said: “At the start, a lot of people didn’t understand what we were doing or were dissatisfied. There was a lot we had to do at many levels to convince people of our work.
“We now attract great respect for what we do. We know though that it can’t always get better and better — and we will have years when we struggle a bit. But we will not move from our way of doing things.”
With an average age of just 22, Salzburg had the youngest team in the Champions League group stage this season.
But they are proving the old adage that if you are old enough, you are good enough.
