German-born midfielder of Equatorial Guinea descent, Noel Aseko, is set to return to Bayern Munich next season to take the place of Leon Goretzka.
With Goretzka’s departure on the horizon, Bayern are already assessing options to reinforce their squad, and attention has turned to a familiar name currently gaining experience away from Munich.
According to Abendzeitung München, Aseko, who is on loan at second-division side Hannover 96, is pencilled in to rejoin Bayern at the end of the season and compete for a place in the first team.
The newspaper’s editorial team described the young midfielder as “a resilient, combative ball-winner who brings dynamism and passing accuracy”, a profile that has not gone unnoticed across Europe.
Reports indicate that several clubs, including Brighton & Hove Albion, West Ham United, Villarreal, Club Brugge, Galatasaray Istanbul and a number of Bundesliga sides, have made enquiries about his availability.
Despite the growing interest, Bayern have so far stood firm. Sporting director Christoph Freund is said to have rejected all approaches, underlining the club’s belief in Aseko’s long-term potential and his suitability for the role Bayern expect to open up next season.
Hannover 96 reportedly hold a purchase option worth one million euros, a clause they are likely to activate. However, Bayern have protected their interests by inserting a buy-back option valued at 2.4 million euros, a move that would allow them to bring Aseko back to Munich with relative ease.
If the plan unfolds as expected, Aseko’s return would mark a significant step in Bayern’s strategy of integrating homegrown talent into key positions, while offering the young midfielder a major opportunity to establish himself at one of Europe’s elite clubs.
