Three Premier League clubs interested in Mainz defensive prospect Kacper Potulski (20)

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Florian Plettenberg lists Chelsea, Brentford, and Brighton as parties potentially interested in acquiring Mainz centre back Kacper Potulski. Chelsea have evidently even thought matters through, exploring the possibility of acquiring the 18-year-old this summer and immediately loaning him out to Strasbourg. In addition to the three Premier League clubs, Serie A outfits AC Milan, Inter, and Como have also scouted the Poland U21 international.

Who is Kacper Potulski? 

The former Legia Warsaw academy man established himself under previous FSV head coach Bo Henriksen this summer in training camp and pre-season friendlies. Henriksen nevertheless only saw fit to hand the youngster one league start. Since Urs Fischer took over the Rheinhessen, Potulski has made six more league appearances. In one of his four starts, Potulski scored his first Bundesliga goal in a 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich. 

Potulski’s appearances at Bundesliga level have enabled him to raise his estimated market value from €200,000 to €2.5m in the last five months. The fact that Fischer wishes to rely on veteran leadership (Stefan Posch, Stefan Bell, and Dominik Kohr) to staff his back-three left Potulski a candidate for loan during the recent January transfer window.

Potulski’s current FSV contract runs until 2028, meaning that the Pfälzer can still loan him out next season. Mainz naturally may also wish to retain their young prospect ahead of next year should they manage to avoid relegation. Potulski has gained plenty of international experience this year, making five Conference League appearances (three) starts under Henriksen and Fischer.

GGFN | Peter Weis