RB Leipzig Eye Swoop For Exciting EFL Talent

According to the Daily Mail, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are two sides thought to be eyeing a move for Port Vale prodigy Baylee Dipepa.

The 17-year-old has come through the youth ranks in Burslem and already has four England Under 17 appearances to his name, scoring four times. He’s appeared regularly for his club, who were relegated from League One after a disappointing campaign.

However, the form of the Blythe Bridge-born forward has been a rare highlight for Darren Moore’s side. He appeared 22 times, scoring three goals, and became the second-youngest goalscorer in the club’s history when he bagged against Shrewsbury in March. A superb goal two weeks later against Bristol Rovers brought him more recognition, and now there’s set to be a battle for his services among top-flight clubs.

Aston Villa, who recently qualified for the Champions League, are one of the sides thought to be wanting to add Dipepa to their ranks. They’re going to face stiff competition from Newcastle United, but other sides are thought to be circling. Manchester United are fresh off the back of their FA Cup win, and they’re the biggest English name in the hunt, whilst West Ham may try to tempt him down south as they are also credited with an interest.

There’s even interest from further afield; Borussia Dortmund and Red Bull Leipzig are thought to have already checked out his form this season, and they’ll be watching his progress for England’s Under 17 side with interest this summer.  The youngster was a substitute in the recent European Championship match against Portugal on Friday, having already bagged twice in their Euro opener against France.

As it stands, it’s believed Manchester United led the race, but interest is only likely to grow as the youngster continues to impress on the international stage.

Site Opinion

Sipepa seems like a young man with the world at his feet, but there’s caution to be exercised here. In the last 24 hours, Manchester Unied have released Charlie McNeill, a young player they signed from the lower leagues, and that should serve as a lesson. Moving from League Two into the Premier League can often see a player get lost and eventually spat out the other side.

A move to Germany might be the best thing. Young English players have thrived abroad, with Jadon Sancho and Ademola Lookman as two obvious examples. It feels like there’s less pressure on them once they’re off these shores, and both of those players did well at clubs currently watching Dipepa.

It feels disingenuous to suggest a young player needs to leave the UK to get the fairest treatment, but in this instance, if he is to move, Germany would surely be a better bet to avoid being farmed out on loan somewhere like Stevenage in a year’s time.