Arp: “My heart told me to stay.”

Jann-Fiete Arp told Bild that his work at Hamburger SV was not done because he wants to contribute to the redemption of the club after its first relegation in history.

Bayern Munich were close but not close enough to sealing the deal for the 18-year-old forward that scored two goals in his 18 appearances for relegated Hamburg last season.

It’s fair to ask: would Arp sign with FCB had Hamburg stayed in the Bundesliga in 2018/19? Either way, Arp signed an extension at Hamburg until 2020; but for far less money, which was not the driving factor in the 18-year old’s decision:

In the end it was a matter of heart for me. The connection to the HSV is without doubt there. I could not go that way.

Yes, Bayern Munich reportedly offered Arp €5 million per year on a four year contract. It is also reported that Arp will earn 500 thousand Euros per year in the first season and €1 million in the second.

So what happens now?

The 6-foot-1 youngster from Bad Segeberg has continued his goal-scoring form in the recent ‘blitz’ tournament, hosted by SV Mappen.

Sure, Bayern’s recruitment plan has failed but 2020 is around the corner. Arp will be 20-years-old and the time window gives the opportunity for Arp to develop into a first-team talent and perhaps, a possible selection for the German national team.