Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly keeping a close eye on Mainz's rising star Kacper Potulski, according to former Schalke 04 defender turned pundit Tomasz Hajto. The Polish youngster has been turning heads in the Bundesliga, and it's easy to see why.
Hajto, now a well-known analyst, shared his insights with the Allgemeine Zeitung, revealing that Potulski's potential has caught the attention of multiple top-tier clubs. "I see very great potential in Kacper Potulski. Mainz could one day earn €30 million for him, but he needs to play," Hajto explained. "According to my contacts, several teams in Germany already have him on their radar – like Leverkusen and Dortmund. But clubs from England and Italy are also interested."
The 19-year-old defender made a strong impression earlier this season, featuring regularly for Mainz and showcasing his composure on the ball. However, he has been an unused substitute in the last four matches, sparking concern among observers. Hajto didn't hold back in his critique of the situation.
"Kacper has always taken his chances and played strong games. He came on in Hoffenheim and performed excellently. I don't understand why he has not been involved since, even though the experienced players also made mistakes in the 0–4 in Strasbourg, the 0–1 against Freiburg, and the 3–4 against Bayern," Hajto said. He then issued a warning to Mainz: "The boy could soon start asking why he should stay in Mainz if he plays well one week and not at all the next. That is a risk."
Despite the recent dip in playing time, Mainz's sporting director Niko Bungert has reaffirmed the club's faith in Potulski's long-term prospects. "Kacper is the future. He has incredible quality and will feature regularly for us going forward. I am certain of that," Bungert stated.
For now, the young defender remains a hot topic in Bundesliga circles. Whether he stays at Mainz or makes a big move to a club like Dortmund or Leverkusen, Potulski's journey is one to watch – and a reminder of how quickly talent can rise in German football.