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When Jadon Sancho signed for Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2017, little did know he would soon become a trailblazer.
A product of Manchester City’s academy, Sancho was impressive during the European Under 17 Championship with England, helping his country to a runner-up finish. His exploits attracted a number of clubs, but he opted to move to the Bundesliga rather than stay in England.
Sancho has thrived since his move to Dortmund, taking the German top-level by storm. Regarded as the best prospect of his generation, he already has six goals and nine assists this season so far.
Sancho was awarded his senior England debut in October last year, which saw him become the youngest Three Lions’ player to make his debut in 60 years.
Sancho’s success has inspired fellow British youngsters to follow his footsteps. Reiss Nelson signed a five-year deal with Arsenal before heading on loan to Hoffenheim. Nelson has six goals in 14 appearances so far this season.
British starlets were once again in the news when the transfer window was opened in January. Welsh forward Rabbi Matondo, a Manchester City academy graduate, followed the footsteps of his former teammate Sancho by signing a four-and-a-half-year deal with Schalke.
One of Arsenal’s best young prospects, England U17 World Cup winner Emile Smith Rowe, joined RB Leipzig until the end of the season.
Out-of-favour West Ham defender Reece Oxford made a return to the Bundesliga by completing a loan move until the end of the season, with Augsburg. Oxford previously had two loan spells with Borussia Monchengladbach.
Bayern Munich were keen on Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi, but the London club were reluctant to sell their promising prospect. But Bayern will be looking to resume their interest in the youngster in the summer.
Unlike England’s so-called ‘golden generation’ who rarely left the Premier League, this current crop of youngsters are not afraid to move abroad to showcase their talent. The lack of game time being given to these starlets has prompted them to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Bundesliga and the Germany national team have a fantastic track record of developing young talent. British youngsters are showing their willingness to move there because at the end of the day all they want to do is play and showcase their talent, rather than watch from the bench or the stands.
Ultimately, playing abroad will be beneficial of the youngsters, British football and the national teams. Whilst they are playing in the Bundesliga they will be able to learn new philosophies and methods, and that in turn will enhance their long-term potential.
