There can be no doubt that there has been a huge power shift in Berlin amongst its two main football teams with traditional giants Hertha looking set for relegation, while their ‘smaller’ neighbours Union Berlin look set to finish in the top four and qualify for a first-ever Champions League.
The gulf is large, but perhaps it will be highlighted even more if reports are true that Union are interested in signing Hertha striking talent Jessic Ngankam.- the home-grown player, who perhaps is the great hope for the Alte Dame. Relegation if it happens will be tough to face, but it will be tougher still knowing your rivals have just taken your prized asset on the way down.
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has reported that Union might be looking to offer Ngankam a route to stay in the Bundesliga- something that the up and coming German U-21 international will no doubt be keen to do. The lure of staying in his home city as well as the prospect of playing in the Champions League will surely act as a pull factor against any sentiment to stay at the club he joined as a six-year-old.
The 22-year old has a market value of €3.5 million, but it is thought Hertha will demand a few of €10 million- something that might put off Union. Ngankam has four Bundesliga goals this season and would add to Union’s attacking arsenal that has functioned so well this year with Sheraldo Becker, Jordan, Kevin Behrens and Sven Michels.
