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It was announced last week that Werder Bremen’s Max Kruse was leaving Die Werderaner, but there has been no word regarding where the 31-year-old might be headed.
Well, until now.
Per a report by Sport1’s Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich might have interest in Kruse as a depth player. According to Plettenberg, Bayern is primarily interested in Kruse as a backup to Robert Lewandowski, but Kruse is a versatile player who could conceivably also see time as a substitute for Thomas Muller or possibly even outside as a reserve winger.
That ability to switch between different positions might be an attractive attribute to Niko Kovac, who seems to favor players who can float between positions. Liverpool is also reportedly interested in Kruse.
Als #Lewandowski-Backup: Nach @SPORT1-Infos haben die Bayern Max #Kruse auf dem Zettel. Intern beschäftigt man sich schon länger mit ihm. Auch der FC Liverpool hat sich nach ihm erkundigt. #FCBayern #Reds Bildquelle: @Transfermarkt pic.twitter.com/cFYc6fVOqV
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 20, 2019
As #Lewandowski-Backup: According to @SPORT1-Info Bayern has Max #Kruse on their agenda. Internally they’ve been occupied with him for quite some time. Liverpool FC has also inquired about him. #FCBayern #Reds Picture source: @Transfermarkt
BFW Analysis
Kruse, who would come on a free transfer, had a verbal confrontation with Jerome Boateng after the DFB-Pokal semifinal and typically is fiery presence to the pitch — which would suit him well with Bayern. In fact, Kovac had to physically insert himself between Boateng and Kruse before the tension between the veterans could escalate further.
The biggest question about a move for Kruse is whether he would be willing to accept a backup role behind someone as steady and durable as Lewandowski. As Sandro Wagner found out, playing time is hard to come by behind the Polish Hitman. Given that Bayern is allegedly close to a deal for Timo Werner, a backup for Lewandowski might also not be needed at this stage for the Bavarians.
Kruse is certainly a quality player and quite capable, but Bayern’s roster might not be ideal for a player with his experience and talent, since there is nowhere on the pitch where he could play consistently.