Report: MLS side interested in Klimowicz
Transfermarkt's American data scouts claim that Charlotte FC are interested in bringing former Germany U21 international Mateo Klimowicz across the pond.
From celebrated prospect to regular benchwarmer, the past season has not been an especially encouraging one for 21-year-old VfB Stuttgart attacker Mateo Klimowicz. The son of former Bundesliga professional Diego Klimowicz has not featured for his club team since February; this despite the fact that he played for one of the most desperate relegation-threatened teams in German football.
The youngster's market value has fallen from a €5 million peak to €2 million over the past twelve months. VfB trainer Pellegrino Matarazzo and club sporting director Sven Mislintat have admitted that the prospects performance on the training pitch has left much to be desired. Though Klimowicz later refuted it, there was even some talk about him giving up representing Germany and switching to Argentina.
"In assessing my situation, I'd say it's been a bit weird," Klimowicz remarked in a recent interview with Argentine daily La Voz del Interior, "It's been tough. At my age, the most important thing is to play. If you don't play, you're not happy. We'll see what happens."
Transfermarkt.us notes that MLS side Charlotte FC maintain Klimowicz on one of their "discovery lists". Football clubs in America's relatively young professional league actually maintain exclusive rights to European youngsters that they claim on such lists. According to the report, Stuttgart and Charlotte are initially discussing a loan arrangement.
Klimowicz made just 15 appearances for the Swabian side in the campaign just completed. He did score one goal and register two assists in the 2020/21 season. He also started three fixtures for Stefan Kuntz's U21 UEFA European Championship winning side last spring.