Europe’s hidden gems – Ekstraklasa edition: Michał Karbownik

Transfer speculation: Is Karbownik ready to take the next step?

Karbownik has undoubtedly shown he has the technical ability, as well as the disposition and discipline to turn into a class player that one day should rightfully find himself in one of the top sides in Europe. The question is, when will that be, and is he ready to make the move now?

The short version of the answer is no. This “no” comes with some caveats however, mainly because while I do believe Karbownik could excel in another league, it’s important to note that he is still a very young player.

In a world where the top teams love to hoard talent, Karbownik would be hard-pressed to move somewhere as a sporadic, third-string player. There’s no rush in my eyes for Karbownik. He has a starting place with Legia, a team that is at the apex of the Polish league.

Having had one good season, Karbownik’s best bet would be to stay an additional season, continue to develop and to prove to potential suitors that his skills are legitimate by improving on the feats he has already shown he his capable of.

Despite this being my opinion, Karbownik has already had quite a few suitors, namely Sevilla, Valencia and Real Sociedad, according to Estadio Deportivo. Widely considered “the biggest Polish prospect in years”, it’s not hard to see why.

While I see Spain as a good fit for the young player due to his playstyle, I also feel Germany would be a good destination for him. If he continues to play in the same vein, I would not be surprised if a team the likes of Borussia Dortmund or RB Leipzig developed an interest in their player.

Both will have a need to replace players who will be leaving in the next season or two, namely Piszczek and Angeliño, who will likely return to Manchester City after his loan spell comes to an end.

Both teams also have a proven track record of turning youth into stars, and Dortmund also have a history of fielding Polish players, something they may choose to do again, either with Karbownik or the likes of Filip Marchwiński, another young talent that is firmly in the sights of Die Schwarzgelben, which shows the German giants are still looking at the Ekstraklasa as a source of talent.

There is also Karbownik’s wish to return to his role in midfield to take into account. While many clubs will be looking at him for the quality he has shown at left back, it may not be the position Karbownik wishes to play his entire career.

In an interview for Sport.pl, Karbownik did emphasize his wish to one day return to midfield, as it is the position he began his footballing journey with and is the position he has always been most comfortable in.

Whatever the case may be, one thing is clear: Legia Warszawa have an immense talent on their hands, and their fans should relish his performances for the club while they can, for Karbownik has the skills to become a major piece in one of Europe’s top tier sides in the years to come.