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Sandro Wagner set for amazing summer three years after Leeds, Forest and Blackburn interest
When the World Cup begins in the summer, one nation will be the favourites to retain their crown. Germany will be hotly tipped to win the competition again, four years after their triumph in Brazil.
If they do so, the performances of Sandro Wagner could be key.
The languid striker is looking to book his place on the plane to Russia after a January move to Bayern Munich from Hoffenheim.
If he was to spearhead the German attack in Russia, it would certainly shock some Football League fans.
Back in August 2015 it was being reported that Leeds United, Blackburn Rovers and Nottingham Forest were all chasing the signature of Wagner –
Leeds United’s manager at the time was Uwe Rosler. The German connection was clear and Leeds were hunting for striking reinforcements.
Nottingham Forest were looking for striking options as Britt Assombalonga was out of action with a serious knee injury.
Blackburn were preparing for the worst as Jordan Rhodes was heavily linked with a move away at the time. The club had already lost Rudy Gestede to Aston Villa that summer.
Wagner, remained in Germany and the story since has been one of an incredible rise. Instead of heading to Leeds, Forest or Blackburn the striker headed to newly promoted Bundesliga side Darmstadt. There he scored 15 goals in 34 games, securing a move to Hoffenheim the following summer.
18 impressive months at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena followed, which included a first Germany cap. The 30-year-old has since scored five goals in seven appearances for his country. He is now hotly tipped to be in the Germany side for Russia 2018 after securing a dream return to boyhood club Bayern Munich in Germany.
Leeds signed Chris Wood that summer, a deal that proved beneficial in a footballing and financial sense. Forest have yet to find their goalscoring replacement for Assombalonga. Blackburn did lose Rhodes that season and dropped out of the Championship the following campaign.
This summer, it will be three years since Leeds, Forest and Blackburn made enquiries to sign the imposing centre-forward.
In the time since, Wagner has proven himself a top striker and is playing for one of the biggest clubs in world football. If he lines up for Germany in Russia, many fans of the trio of Football League clubs who missed out will wonder what might have been
Wagner on the other hand will be pleased with his career choices.