BFW Postseason Breakdown: Player We Most Want to Transfer Out

When navigating the treacherous terrain of the transfer market, it can sometimes be hard to take a look at the Bayern Munich roster and think about shipping out any of the talent that currently exists.

Sure, there are some players who could probably benefit from a change of scenery to help their own careers, but which player do you think needs to make a move for the betterment of himself or the team? Our writers gave their picks below, what do you think?

(Please note that these votes were recorded before the news became official about James Rodriguez on Wednesday, but that does not change the rationale of why the writers wanted the player to leave).

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Chuck Smith: Renato Sanches

For as much as I criticized Renato Sanches through his time with Bayern Munich, I feel like this is a move that NEEDS to happen for the player. I don’t feel like Sanches is at the level of Thiago Alcantara, Javi Martinez, Leon Goretzka, or Corentin Tolisso. If being the fifth-best option for two spots is the best Sanches can do here, I’d rather see him get an opportunity elsewhere because I do believe he needs consistent playing time to further develop. This is the classic, “It’s not you, it’s me” scenario. The biggest question is really whether Bayern will swallow its pride and accept less of a transfer fee than it paid out for the 21-year-old.

Phillip Quinn: Nobody?

I wanted to be funny and make a joke here about James Rodriguez, but I never want a talented player to leave. My assumption has been that James Rodriguez and Jerome Boateng are the two likeliest outgoing transfers for Bayern this summer among first team players. Renato Sanches could be on his way out, but the club could still see enough value in him to give him another shot this summer as he very clearly showed demonstrable growth under Niko Kovac. Maybe Javi Martinez? He’ll be 31 at the start of next season, and it’s not like his legs are getting any younger.

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Ben Erwin: James Rodriguez

At first I wanted to say Renato Sanches or Jerome Boateng so they can get the playing time they rightly deserve, but realized this one had to be James. The transfer saga surrounding the Colombian is disruptive and played out. He clearly does not want to be in Munich, and Kovac does not seem to have a spot for his world-class skill set. It was fun while it lasted, but a mutual parting of ways seems inevitable. It’s not all bad, however, as his departure wouId open up space in the midfield logjam for the return of Corentin Tolisso.

Marcus Iredahl: Jerome Boateng and James Rodriguez

I am thankful for what Boateng has done for the club. He was part of the crucial center-back partnership with Dante during the treble-winning season. However, when he doesn’t thank the fans and don’t celebrate with the rest of the players after winning the double, I think it is best to let him go. I partly understand his frustration. Prior to the 2018/19 season, Boateng has been a starter whenever he was not injured. But his attitude is something that won’t help anyone, including himself. In hindsight, it would have been better to sell him last summer. If we decide to let him go now, we can still get a decent amount for him, and more importantly I think it will beneficial for both parties.

As for James: just send him back to Madrid.

Ineednoname: James Rodriguez

He needs to go and take his stans with him. I have no problem with James personally, but his fanbase is toxic and pretends like Munich will sink into the ocean once he leaves. Please leave our club alone.

Brian Burton: Jerome Boateng

I mean, he already wanted to leave last year so why not finally grant that wish? Fans will always recognize him as one of the best defenders in the club’s history, but the hard truth is that he’s nowhere near that level anymore. With newcomers Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard arriving next season, it’s looking like Bayern will have to choose between Boateng and Mats Hummels. Based on Hummels’ outstanding Rückrunde, I’d much rather have him over Boateng.

Even over the course of his career, Boateng has been haunted by injuries. He’s only getting older (he’s turning 31 in September), and those injury concerns will only increase. Is it really worth keeping an older, injury-prone player when we could instead build around newer and younger ones?

Logan Chugg: Jerome Boateng

This one hurts me to say, but I think that it would be the best interest for both parties if Boateng transferred out this season. Although you never know what the future has to hold, Bayern seems pretty set with Niklas Süle and Mats Hummels at center-back. To me, this situation is like Bastian Schweinsteiger’s departure to Manchester United. It seems like Boateng probably won’t get a proper good-bye, which he deserves for all that he has given to this club.

With all this said, I would hope that he would transfer outside of the Bundesliga. I believe that he still has potential to play in the Premier League. Another possible move could be to China, as many Europeans have done.

John Dillon: Renato Sanches

Bayern needs to own up to the fact that buying Sanches was a mistake. He has consistently struggled for playing time and has not risen his game to a level where he can contend for minutes. He also is an unhappy presence in the locker room. Perhaps Sanches can revive his fortunes elsewhere. It is clear, however, that he will never cut it at Bayern.

We’ve put out our opinions, now gives us your in the poll below or in the comments: