Uli Hoeness: Bayern Munich’s squad planning is done for now

Uli Hoeness has said that Bayern Munich’s squad planning for the summer is essentially done. Bayern has brought in Lucas Hernandez, Benjamin Pavard, Fiete Arp, Ivan Perisic, and are has also sealed moves for both Philippe Coutinho and Mickael Cuisance. Leroy Sané’s ACL injury in Manchester City’s Community Shield match against Liverpool three weeks ago proved to be a massive speed bump in Bayern’s transfer plans for the summer, but the pieces to the puzzle, according to Hoeness, are now in place (kicker):

Now our squad is as complete and as well set-up as we imagined. Our squad was too small at the beginning of July. Now we have filled it with three transfers in the last few days and weeks — and I mean filled it with quality.

Hoeness also stated, however, that coach Niko Kovac now can “work with this squad in complete calm until Christmas” (our emphasis). Then the front office would see, suggesting that some business could be done during the winter transfer window.

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Although Hoeness has said that the squad is now complete, there is still the possibility that Bayern may bring back Mario Mandzukic from Juventus. Bild has reported that the Croatian wants a move back to Bayern to work under compatriot Niko Kovac. The clubs still have a few weeks to hash out a deal, despite Hoeness’s affirmation that Bayern’s summer transfer business is done.

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Sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic refused to comment on Mandzukic when he was asked about him after Bayern’s 2-2 draw against Hertha Berlin, as did Kovac. Robert Lewandowski also said after the game that he felt that Bayern’s transfer business is not quite done, but that may be the case, at least until the winter, even if some of the players in the squad are expecting more arrivals before September 2nd.