Per a report from Sport1, Chelsea has heavy interest in Bayern Munich youth player Torben Rhein. Rhein is a 16-year-old attacking midfielder, who is considered one of the true gems of the Bayern youth system.
According to Sport1 information, the English are hot on junior jewel Torben Rhein. The English media also have reported on it. The 16-year-old central midfielder could still play for the U-17s, but will be playing for the U-19s this season under new coach Martin Demichelis. The English are offering the German U-16 international a lucrative professional contract from 2020 and want to introduce him to the professional team as soon as possible. However, the Munich team definitely wants to keep their top talent.
The Daily Mail also corroborated the report with its own account on Chelsea’s alleged pursuit of the Germany youth international.
Chelsea are tracking Bayern Munich starlet Torben Rhein, ahead of a potential move for the attacking midfielder at the end of their transfer ban. The 16-year-old is a hot prospect in Germany and has represented the country’s Under-16 side five times, netting once. But his contract runs out in the summer of 2021 and Chelsea are understood to be watching his progress. Last season for Bayern Munich’s U17s, Rhein scored 12 goals and picked up four assists in 26 appearances.
This is not the first time this summer that the two clubs have had interest in the same youth players. On July 5th, Bayern Munich announced the arrival of two academy products from Chelsea as forward Jamal Musisala and central-defender, Bright Akwo Array-Mbi both made the jump to Säbener Strasse.
In addition, Bayern also spent the better part of 2019 trying to bring in Chelsea’s 18-year-old phenom Callum Hudson-Odoi, who looks like he will eventually get around to signing a contract extension with the English club.
Despite Chelsea’s interest, however, Rhein cannot move this summer because of the transfer ban that has been imposed on the club. Rhein, who has a contract through 2021, would have to wait until next summer to make the jump to Stamford Bridge.
Because of Rhein’s talent, it can probably be expected that Bayern will try to make a counter-offer to ensure that Rhein stays put.