Mika Biereth: Player Profile

Mika Biereth, 18, playing for Fulham Under-18s

Mika Biereth: Player Profile

By Jonny Bray
If reputable sources such as The Daily Mirror and The Athletic are to be believed, then Arsenal are on the verge of signing one of England’s stand out youth prospects in the coming days. 

Mika Biereth scored 21 goals in 22 appearances for Fulham’s Under-18’s last season, as his side retained their Premier League South title before narrowly missing out on qualification for the Under-19 UEFA Youth League. 

He has reportedly turned down a new contract at Fulham and is eager to ply his trade elsewhere this coming season. 

Defeat at the hands of Manchester City kept Fulham out of Europe, however, Biereth certainly caught the eye as he took part in an astounding season for the young Cottagers. 

Fulham would be sad to see the youngster go, but their loss could be Arsenal’s gain. 

The 18-year-old forward has good reason to want to move to Arsenal now. 

The Emirates has proven to be quite the hotbed for young English talent, particularly since Mikel Arteta became manager. 

Players such as Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and Eddie Nketiah have all risen through Arsenal’s youth ranks over the last four years, cementing themselves as proven Premier League performers. 

With that in mind, here’s what fans can expect if the talented youngster decides to join Arsenal. 


What he offers


Based on last season’s performances, Biereth is clearly a goal machine. 

His 21 goals in 22 appearances meant he finished as top goal scorer in the Premier League South and second top goal scorer at under-18 level in the country, behind Manchester United’s Charlie McNeil, who scored 24 goals in the Premier League North. 

You’d be wrong to assume goals are all that he has to offer. 

Fulham scored 79 goals across 25 matches with Biereth their top scorer, and he also registered 13 assists meaning he accounted for 43% of Fulham’s goals last season. 

Mika made his debut at Under-18 level days before his 15th birthday as he came on for the last quarter of an hour during a 4-0 win against Reading U18 at Motspur Park on 3 February 2018.

This would suggest that he’s been highly rated by the staff at Fulham’s academy for quite some time. 

He signed a two-year scholarship deal with the club on 1 July 2019 meaning he should already be available.

He’s also already experienced senior football in Fulham’s Under-23s where he made an appearance in the EFL Trophy. 

At 6ft1 he’s got the physicality to compete, and could continue to grow, suggesting that the step up to men’s football won’t come as too much of a shock to the young star. 

It’s clear that Biereth has a big future ahead of him. 

What are the risks 


There are very few risks in signing a young player in a scenario like this, unless Arsenal choose to put him on £60,000 a week. 

There’s always the risk that moving to Arsenal may prevent his growth as a player during the crucial years between 18 and 23. 

Most professionals would agree, managing players correctly during this period can make or break a player's career. 

However, Arsenal have a history of sending young players out on successful loan moves and of giving youngsters chances in the League Cup and FA Cup. 

Another risk could be the added pressure that comes with representing a club the size of Arsenal. 

As has been seen in the first team at points over the last two decades, the shirt is often too big for some players. 

Finally, there’s the threat of other clubs swooping in to take him, Arsenal will have to move quickly to secure his signature. 

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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