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Bayern Munich’s Chris Richards put on a show during the United States’ run at the U-20 World Cup earlier this month. The tournament gave many clubs an idea of what the brass on Säbener Strasse already knew: Richards is an immense talent.
Per a report from CBS Sports, the 19-year-old Alabama native specifically has caught the eye of FC Barcelona, Valencia, and several other teams in Germany, Spain, and Turkey. While Richards’ popularity has surged, CBS Sports also stated that a move “seems unlikely” at this point.
Richards’ performance at the U-20 World Cup was widely lauded and certainly put him on the radar many who were not already following his career progression.
devastated that we couldn’t bring home the cup. thank you to everybody who supported our journey and cheered us on. we will be back better and stronger next time you see us. always an honor to rep the best country in the world #seeyousoon pic.twitter.com/poHTnI4MuD
— chris richards (@eastmamba) June 8, 2019
BFW Analysis
The interest in Richards comes at a very curious time for Bayern. Rumors have been circulating that both Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng could leave Bavaria this summer, while Lars Lukas Mai might also be inclined to leave in hopes of securing more playing time. Among all of the incumbent candidates, only Niklas Sule appears to be a lock as a starter next season.
After investing in 23-year-old tandem of Lucas Hernandez from Atlético Madrid and Benjamin Pavard from VfB Stuttgart, Bayern has more than a few starting caliber candidates to man the central defensive positions of Niko Kovac’s 4-2-3-1 formation. While it is true that both Hernandez and Pavard provide versatility with their ability to play outside back, Bayern has created a logjam at center-back.
Richards, who honed his skills at Texans Soccer Club and with FC Dallas prior to signing with Bayern, has tremendous potential and is currently slated to start the season with Bayern II in 3.Bundesliga. If he keeps developing at his current rate, it will be hard to deny the Alabama native first-team opportunities.
The amazing journey that Richards has taken from Alabama to Houston to Dallas to Munich was chronicled here just a few months ago on our site.