Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Monaco’s Timely Acquisition of Striker Mika Biereth Pays Off Handsomely
AS Monaco‘s Chief Executive Officer Thiago Scuro revealed the urgency behind signing Mika Biereth from Sturm Graz in January, emphasizing that delaying the decision beyond winter would have been “potentially too late.” This “now or never” mentality underscored the transfer of the Danish international striker, who has since made a remarkable impact, netting 11 goals in his initial nine Ligue 1 appearances. The club is undoubtedly delighted with the swift action taken to secure his signature.
This sense of urgency has characterized Biereth’s trajectory. His mentor, Ian Wright, observed, “He possessed the courage to venture into Scotland, then Austria, and now France, demonstrating his ambition to reach the pinnacle. He needs consistent playing time to validate his capabilities.” Biereth has capitalized on every opportunity presented to him, a journey that diverted him from Arsenal and led him to Monaco.
A Career Forged Through Diverse Leagues
Having competed in England, the Netherlands, Scotland, Austria, and now France, the 22-year-old striker exhibits a clear appetite for varied experiences and a willingness to embrace a transient lifestyle. Born in London to a Bosnian mother and a German-Danish father, Biereth began his youth career at Chelsea, subsequently spending five years at Fulham before joining Arsenal. “He maintains connections from every club. That speaks to his character,” Wright noted, highlighting Biereth’s close bond with Bayern winger Jamal Musiala, whom he first encountered at Chelsea.
Ian Wright’s Mentorship Role
In 2022, during his time at Arsenal, Biereth proactively contacted Wright for guidance. “I must commend Mika for reaching out to me several years ago,” Wright recounted. “He sought advice regarding his standing within the club and his next steps. Following his initial contact, we met locally and have remained in close communication ever since.”
However, contrasting with Wright’s career trajectory, Biereth did not establish himself at Arsenal. A challenging loan stint at RKC Waalwijk in the Netherlands preceded a brief period with Motherwell and a subsequent transfer to Sturm Graz in early 2024. During his first loan period at the Austrian club, before permanently departing Arsenal last summer, Monaco began to take notice. Their interest intensified after a direct encounter with the player. “Particularly after our pre-season friendly against Sturm Graz last summer, Adi [Hütter] and I focused our scouting more intently on him throughout the season,” Scuro explained.
Monaco’s Decisive Move
Monaco witnessed a forward gaining momentum; Biereth tallied 13 goals in 24 appearances across all competitions for Sturm Graz, including two in the Champions League qualifiers. However, it was an injury to another former Arsenal player, Folarin Balogun, that spurred Monaco into definitive action.
Initially exploring the loan market for a striker, Monaco recognized the unique prospect of signing Biereth permanently. The €13 million transfer fee now appears to be a bargain, with Hütter frequently praising his performances in post-game briefings. “Undoubtedly, he has exceeded expectations,” Scuro admitted. “No one anticipated that a young player would arrive and immediately achieve such a high scoring rate.”
Prolific Goal-Scoring Record
Biereth has indeed been prolific for Monaco this season, recording three consecutive hat-tricks in home fixtures. His league goal frequency stands at one goal every 67 minutes, boasting the league’s best shots-to-goal conversion rate, with over a third of his attempts finding the net.
“I consider myself an old-fashioned striker – a dying breed,” he stated upon joining Monaco. “I understand the significance of build-up play and contributing to the team’s overall game, but ultimately, I am a striker who loves scoring goals. Many of my goals are not aesthetically pleasing, not the type featured in highlight compilations, but personally, the manner in which the ball enters the net is inconsequential to me.”
Innate Striking Instincts
His natural finishing ability and spatial awareness within the penalty area are evident. “His past record, particularly at youth levels, confirmed his goal-scoring prowess,” Wright affirmed. “He has always possessed that instinct. While his physical stature differs from mine, his relentless drive to score goals truly reminds me of myself. He is indifferent to the style of goal; his sole focus is scoring.”
Seamless Integration into Monaco’s Squad
Biereth debuted for Monaco versus Montpellier in January. “He frequently positioned himself advantageously, but we missed opportunities to play him in,” Hütter recalled. “Subsequently, we held a productive meeting with the attacking unit and reviewed video clips of him at his previous club – showcasing his runs and movement. Maghnes [Akliouche] immediately recognized his quality.” Biereth then scored in the subsequent match against Rennes, before securing the first of his three hat-tricks against Auxerre the following week.
“Having him at the end of attacking sequences boosts his confidence and consequently our team’s confidence as well,” commented teammate Thilo Kehrer, who pointed out Monaco’s quartet of strikers – Biereth, Balogun, Breel Embolo, and George Ilenikhena – each offering “distinct profiles”. “His arrival addressed a gap in our team,” Embolo added, highlighting his effective partnership with Biereth.
Arsenal’s Missed Opportunity
Arsenal is also “missing something,” specifically a striker. Kai Havertz currently leads their scoring charts this season with nine Premier League goals. Mikel Merino, a midfielder, has recently filled a forward role. “Mika should have been involved with Arsenal’s first team setup,” Wright asserted. “It’s a setback for Arsenal, but personally, I am thrilled for his success.” Arsenal’s loss has become Monaco’s gain, and now Denmark’s gain as well.
International Recognition with Denmark
Biereth was eligible to represent England, Germany, Bosnia, and Denmark. Having represented Denmark at the youthinternational levels, he recently earned his senior debut during the international break. “Success in club football naturally paves the way for international opportunities,” he remarked.
Monaco’s Long-Term Vision
2025 has been a transformative year for Biereth, continually adapting to new environments. “The expectation is for him to remain here for a few seasons,” Scuro stated, expressing hope that the now well-travelled Danish player will establish longer tenure than at previous clubs.
Currently, his new residence is sparsely furnished. “Plenty of space for match balls,” Biereth quipped after his third Monaco hat-trick against Reims in late February. Monaco hopes his apartment evolves into a permanent home – one overflowing with match balls.