From Arsenal to the fourth tier! Wonderkid already regrets January exit

Tom Weber

9 Mar 2024 15:04 GMT
3 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Bradley Ibrahim's January departure from Arsenal has already become a nightmare.

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The 19-year-old prospect left the Gunners academy in the winter transfer window in search of first-team game time. A defensive-minded player, who can feature at centre-back and in holding midfield, Ibrahim joined fallen German giants Hertha BSC in what was seen as a massive coup for the underperforming capital club.

The Berlin side not only managed to snap up a highly-rated prospect but they even got him for nothing. They signed him from Arsenal for a transfer fee of €0 after an agreement was reached that gave the Gunners a sell-on percentage, the right to match any future offers and performance-related bonus payments.

Given Ibrahim's start to life in Germany, it is becoming increasingly clear why the north London side were happy to let him walk for nothing.

Stuck in the fourth tier

The 19-year-old is yet to feature for Hertha in the 2. Bundesliga and is instead playing for the struggling U23s in the Regionalliga Nordost, one of Germany's five regional fourth divisions. Five of his six outings have ended in defeat, with Hertha II conceding 14 goals when the Englishman has played.

Of course, the blame can't be pinned solely on him, but German media has nevertheless been quick to question whether Ibrahim is ready for senior football. In a recent report, BILD pulled no punches when assessing his start to life at Hertha.

The outlet asserts that the youngster has been guilty of making 'unnecessary tackles,' dallying on the ball and that he has neither the speed nor the robustness to play against adults in the fourth tier, let alone in the 2. Bundesliga for a Hertha side looking to bounce back from last term's relegation.