Gnabry sought after on loan as Bayern Munich deliberates

Several Bundesliga clubs would be more than happy to have Serge Gnabry play for them next season on loan, if Bayern Munich proves willing to part with the dynamic offensive player for next season.

At the top of the list is 1899 Hoffenheim. Manager Alexander Rosen has described Gnabry as “an exciting player.” He would certainly boost a club that is in the midst of restructuring its roster. Hoffenheim is preparing for an international European campaign, potentially in the Champions League, having reached the qualifying playoff after a spectacular fourth-place finish in the Bundesliga under coaching phenom Julian Nagelsmann.

Bayern might be willing to reciprocate its recent transfer partner, especially since the club has its sights set on international competition. Hoffenheim sent both Sebastian Rudy and Niklas Süle to the German giants earlier this summer and will need all the new talent it can muster. According to Sport Bild, Hoffenheim remains the favored destination for a loan should Bayern decide to send Gnabry to play elsewhere rather than risk his stagnating on the bench.

Another club that has shown significant interest in Gnabry is Hertha Berlin, which tried in vain to sign Gnabry before he even went to Werder. Kicker reports that Hertha has informed Bayern of its continued interest in Gnabry. Like Hoffenheim, German soccer’s “Alte Dame” (“Old Lady”) is also gearing up for international competition, having qualified this past season for the Europa League.

Whether Gnabry is loaned at all, of course, depends on how badly he is needed at Bayern itself. That remains an open question, hinging above all on the fate of Douglas Costa. Talks between Bayern and Juventus Turin over a transfer of the winger have stagnated, as the two sides have apparently been unable to come to terms over the transfer fee.

If Costa stays, a loan for Gnabry seems much more likely. Costa’s departure, however, would presumably see Gnabry assume his role as back-up to Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben, alongside Kingsley Coman. Either way, a player of Gnabry’s quality seems destined for significant playing time.