Mika Biereth's recent transfer from Sturm Graz to AS Monaco marks not only the young striker's ascent to the French league but also highlights Arsenal's financial foresightedness. Following the conclusion of the deal, it was revealed by James McNicholas of The Athletic the Gunners stand to gain approximately £2 million from this transaction due to the inclusion of a sell-on clause.
Monaco secured Biereth for €13 million, roughly £11 million, along with potential add-ons amounting to another €2 million (£1.7 million). Arsenal, having initially sold the 21-year-old to Sturm Graz for £4 million, will see their total earnings from Biereth swelled to about £6 million should the add-on conditions be met. Meanwhile, Sturm Graz holds onto a net profit of around £5 million, representing a shrewd piece of business for both clubs.
The transfer was necessitated by recent injury woes afflicting Monaco, particularly with their former Arsenal academy prodigy, Folarin Balogun. Reports indicate Balogun will spend around four months on the sidelines following shoulder surgery, prompting Monaco's need for additional attacking options.
Biereth's stint at Sturm Graz can be characterized as successful, having racked up 14 goals and five assists across 25 appearances this season. Most impressively, he scored twice during the Champions League, which surely helped solidify his reputation as he transitioned away from the English Premier League.
Notably, prior to his acquisition by Sturm Graz, Biereth spent the first half of the 2023-24 season on loan at Motherwell, where he proved his capabilities by netting six goals and contributing five assists. He left Arsenal after joining the club from Fulham back in July 2021 but found it difficult to break through to the first team, failing to make any competitive appearances. Within Arsenal's highly competitive front line, featuring players like Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Eddie Nketiah, opportunities for Biereth were few and far between.
Although Biereth has now moved to Monaco, his career is far from static. Following his debut match with Monaco, he came on as a half-time substitute during the Coupe de France against Stade de Reims. Despite assisting the equalizing goal, Biereth's day ended on a low note as his penalty was saved during the shootout, contributing to Monaco's elimination from the tournament.
He later featured fully during Monaco's Ligue 1 match, where they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Montpellier. Unfortunately, Biereth will not be included on the roster for the upcoming match against Aston Villa, as he can only join the Champions League squad after the conclusion of the initial league phase.
While his transition to Monaco has settled him firmly onto the continental stage, Biereth's future looks promising as he aims to make his mark. He possesses the attributes of a striker who can achieve greatness, and this new platform may well serve as the launching pad for his ambitions.
Arsenal's smart sell-on clause demonstrates the club's strategic approach to player transfers, ensuring they are positioned to benefit from Biereth's future accomplishments. With aspirations to return to the top of the Premier League and the broader European scene, the Gunners are not simply letting talent slip away without proper structures to capitalize on their developments.
All eyes will now be on Biereth to see whether he can rise to the occasion at AS Monaco and potentially prove his former club right for believing in his talent all along. With the Champions League stage just around the corner, there’s no telling how far he could go.