Bayern Munich scouting Benfica’s Joao Filipe as an alternative to Callum Hudson-Odoi

In a new report by O Jogo (via Sport Bild), it appears that Bayern Munich may be looking at alternatives to Callum Hudson-Odoi in the event that the club fails to reach an agreement with Chelsea for the young winger. SL Benfica youth player Joao Pedro Neves Filipe (nicknamed “Jota”) is the man being scouted for the role, as the Bavarians look to bolster the squad after Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery depart the club in the summer.

The youngster, currently 19, has a good record so far this season — he currently has 7 goals and 8 assists while playing in the Portuguese second tier and the UEFA Youth League. However, he lacks experience in the top flight. Jota has played only 15 minutes in Liga NOS and 62 minutes in the Europa League, which is less experience than even Renato Sanches had when he first arrived at Bayern.

Despite his inexperience, the report claims that Bayern see a lot of potential in the player, and English clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested. Jota is believed to have a release clause of €30m in his contract, making him the cheapest potential winger option Bayern could buy.

It wouldn’t be the worst possible transfer, and young players can always surprise us. However, signing a youth player from Benfica with practically zero top-flight experience would be the final nail in the coffin for Bayern’s youth system. If Callum Hudson-Odoi isn’t available, then why not give a chance to players like Wooyeong Jeong or Oliver Batista Meier?

It’s always exciting to be linked with young prospects, but this is one that Bayern may be better off avoiding.