Schalke's Max Meyer and the Bundesliga's Issue with Keeping Young Stars
Schalke 04 midfielder Max Meyer is in that gray area among young German footballers; extremely talented, yet not able to break through the glut of talent on the senior Die Mannschaft roster. For his part, it is likely nothing that Meyer has done himself to keep him out of Joachim Löw's mix, but the fact that he has not made a big enough impression in he league to force his way on to the talented unit.
The 22-year old is still just a fledgling in his career, but he already appears to want to bail out of Schalke in hopes of getting more exposure elsewhere; attention that perhaps would have thrust him deeper into consideration for a call-up during the recent international break. Schalke Sporting Director Christian Heidel spoke to German news agency DPA and did not sound overly optimistic about retaining Meyer:
"Max Meyer's agent received an extension offer on January 12 with a deadline of February 15, and informed us on February 15 via email that Max would not be accepting the offer because of the deadline imposed. We have acknowledged this. For now, we no longer feel beholden to the terms of that offer, but that doesn't mean an extension is impossible either."
Meyer was offered a salary increase in the region of €5.5 million ($6.7 million) annually; which he refused. It was the second offer made by Schalke, following a less lucrative offer at the end of last season.
Meyer's status as a regular for Domenico Tedesco is not in question and he has adapted well to a more defensive role in midfield. He's a valued and integral component of the squad, yet for him, something is missing: Exposure.
With teammate Leon Goretzka already committed to exploring "red-der" pastures in Munich, Meyer's desired exodus from Schalke only belies the problem that some young players have with remaining in the Bundesliga. The league, in and of itself, is quality with a tremendous mix of veteran and youthful talent; despite being dominated by Bayern Munich this season. The impression, however, that the league doesn't provide the publicity or attention of the Premier League or La Liga is becoming more unwarranted, but that perception seems to be influencing those players seeking stardom.
As Heidel told Kicker, there is pressure to retain Meyer, but Schalke must also have a strategy that does not include him.
"At the moment we're still ready to talk. But we must and we will plan for the new season."
Speaking to Sport Bild, Heidel sought to focus on Meyer's more important role at Schalke, his regular game time, arguing it might be in the youngster's best interests to stay at a club that needs him every week.
"[Coach] Domenico Tedesco has formed the team around him in such a way that there is now an ideal spot for Max. That was not always the case. He needs to ask himself, putting the financial aspect to one side: 'Will I get such a position at a different club?' Because one thing's clear: Max wants to play, and he needs to play."
And that about sums up the issue around Meyer and players like him: Is it better to take a raise and continue to be an integral part of a growing team or to move to a foreign power where every day is a battle with more veteran (and expensive players)?
Like Goretzka, Meyer appears to be leaning to thinking his development will be enhanced by being at a bigger club with more exposure rather than accepting a role as "The Man" for a club like Schalke. It is a gamble and one that seems Meyer is willing to go all-in on himself with.
Meyer is in a great developmental spot at Schalke with a youthful and aggressive coach that believes in him. That normally would be enough to retain a talent like Meyer. With each passing day, however, it looks like Meyer will be yet another young German, who will seek out world wide appeal elsewhere.
Whether that strategy is executed successfully for Meyer will be fascinating to watch should he ultimately decide to exit Schalke.
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