Report: Bayern Munich pursuing Christian Eriksen

Uli Hoeness and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge have made it clear that the Bavarians have the means to make a splash in the transfer market, but will only do so if it is deemed necessary. In the age of mega-money transfers and astronomical wage bills, Bayern Munich has continued to maintain their place among Europe’s elite through an approach built upon shrewd business dealings.

A recent report linking Tottenham Hotspur’s Christian Eriksen with the Bavarian giants might signify the end of the era of fiscal responsibility in Munich. According to AS, Bayern is competing with Chelsea, Manchester United and Juventus to secure the Danish midfielder’s signature, following the revelation that Real Madrid had withdrawn their interest. Los Blancos previously believed they could secure Eriksen’s signature for €84 million, but the recent sale of Frenkie de Jong to Barcelona for €75 millions plus add-ons may have jacked up the price even further.

Despite the price increase, the Rekordmeister reportedly remains keen to sign the versatile playmaker, who Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy values at €250 million. Although it does not seem likely that Bayern would hand over this kind of money for the 26-year-old, Levy is likely posturing to maximize the Dane’s value. Regardless, a fee over €84 million would double Bayern’s previous record transfer fee of £37.35 million paid for Corentin Tolisso.

Although Eriksen is a world class talent capable of playing on the left wing and centrally, Bayern’s current midfield log jam make this move unlikely. Thiago Alcantara, Leon Goretzka, and Thomas Muller are all capable of playing in an attacking midfield role, while links to Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz seem to align more with plans for a youthful squad overhaul.

A shift towards more youthful prospects such as Callum Hudson-Odoi may be viewed as a way to save on top-class talent a la Jadon Sancho, but an ever-evolving transfer market seems to require big money moves for players such as Eriksen, or Lucas Hernandez as vital to staying competitive.

Although the post-Pogba and Neymar world has turned transfer dealings into a high stakes game of $100 million poker, Bayern would be better suited to spend on younger talent. Eriksen is approaching 27, which would mean the Bavarians would secure his services for 2-3 prime years, but the decline that typically begins at the age of 30 does not warrant an investment of this size.

Uli and KHR are more likely to spend on a young playmaker like Havertz, whose price tag would likely be similar to Eriksen’s, but Die Roten would be able to tie down a player who will be on top of world soccer for the next decade. Just because the Bavarian brass can and will splash the cash, doesn’t mean they will abandon their principles in doing so. Expect to see more young stars make the move to Munich.

Do you think Bayern should splash the cash on Eriksen, or save for another player?