Mika Biereth moved to Arsenal’s youth system for the end of his training, having been with Fulham earlier in his development.
Now 21-years-of-age he’s making a new home away from London, his birthplace, and looking long term after a permanent transfer to Sturm Graz.
The striker moved to the Austrian club on loan in the winter market and impressed enough that they went public with their desire to keep him. A championship and cup double, with contributory goals from Beirut, had helped underline that desire.
Sturm Graz managed to agree a permanent move with Arsenal for around €4m, and they now hope the youngster can progress further.
Biereth himself has been speaking to Austrian newspaper Kurier, and his experience at Arsenal obviously got a mention.
Asked what he’d be able to bring from the Premier League club,. and his training there, he said: “Arsenal plays great, and above all technical, football. And that helps everywhere. Of course, the difference between the two clubs is very big, but Sturm is also developing into a top club.”
Biereth was once again told that one of his predecessors at Sturm Graz was Rasmus Hojlund, but he doesn’t want to be drawn on comparisons: “No, I don’t care at all when people ask me about him, I take it very lightly. You can’t compare us because we are different types.”
Champions League football now awaits the Austrian club, with all the excitement and improved finances that will bring.
Asked which opponent he wants to face the most in UEFA’s top club competition, Biereth was in no doubt at all: “Of course, my ex-club Arsenal.”
