As reported by Sky Germany, Hertha Berlin striker Jessic Ngankam has rejected a move to rivals Union Berlin out of love for Die Alte Dame.
Since securing Champions League football for the first time in the clubs’ history, Union Berlin have been extremely busy in the transfer market. With four signings confirmed and five players out the door, Die Eisernen have certainly been preparing for a first campaign in Europe’s most prestigious competition.
However, with their aims to bring in attacking reinforcement, Hertha’s talented young forward Ngankam was one of their top priorities. Nevertheless, the 22-year-old would dispel any rumours during an interview on Youtube: “I was just quiet for three or four minutes, I looked at the ceiling and thought, that can’t be true and I let it sink in. After five minutes I managed to answer and actually said so directly, no, we won’t do it.”
Last season, Ngankam would score four goals and collect two assists in 18 Bundesliga games for the Old Lady, but it would not be enough to spare them from relegation. The under-21 European Championships would not prove to be any more lucrative for the Hertha man, as defending champions Germany were eliminated in the group stages with Ngankam failing to find the back of the net.
While a move to city rivals Union will not be on the cards, there are no guarantees that Hertha will keep Ngankam ahead of their first season back in the 2. Bundesliga. Eintracht Frankfurt are still believed to be interested in the 22-year-old, while for Hertha, a move would ensure a significant transfer fee that would be hard to turn down.
GGFN | Will Shopland
