Skeptical Kahn says no signings this summer might be “an option” for Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich executive Oliver Kahn discussed the club’s transfer plans on Sky90 this Sunday (via Sport1). In light of the economic uncertainty wrought by the coronavirus pandemic, Kahn said he could imagine a scenario in which Bayern does not make any major signings in the coming summer.

Kahm emphasized the vulnerability of professional soccer as a system: “We have seen on account of the outbreak of the crisis how vulnerable the system of professional soccer is. I think that very many European clubs are very concerned.” Kahn stated he was skeptical that the transfer market will return to business as usual in the near future: “At the moment, totally different things need to be overcome before this market can leap into action again and then — if at all — big things happen. At the moment, I’m skeptical.”

Asked directly whether Bayern Munich might not make any signings this summer, Kahn said, “That could be an option.”

That obviously will not go down well with the fans who are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Manchester City forward Leroy Sané. Rumors have constantly suggested both Bayern and the player remain committed to a transfer, provided agreement over a transfer fee can be reached.

Kahn did not divulge any information about Bayern’s interest in Sané or in Bayer Leverkusen’s rising superstar Kai Havertz. “Everyone would be well-advised to keep a low profile,” Kahn said. “Sané is under contract with Manchester City at the moment, has an injury behind him, and is trying bit by bit to find his form. But I think it’s hard to talk here and today about players who have a valid labor contract with another club,” Kahn said.

Likewise regarding Havertz, Kahn said, “Kai Havertz is also under a contract with Bayer Leverkusen that still runs two years. We should simply accept that.”

Kahn on Thiago, Alaba, and Nübel

Thiago Alcantara and David Alaba, who are currently negotiating their own contracts with Bayern, also came up in the interview. Kahn feels that both players have very good reasons to extend. He said, “I think we as FC Bayern have very good arguments that should convince the players that they know what they have with us.”

“You never know everything that is going through players’ heads,” Kahn conceded, “But we know what we have in them.”

Kahn ruled out a loan for Alexander Nübel, who again featured in goal for Schalke this weekend in a 1-0 loss to Werder Bremen. He said, “That is absolutely not up for discussion at the current point in time. No one here is thinking about a loan. We’re all happy that Alex is coming to us. There’s nothing better than having two excellent goalkeepers.”

Nübel should “develop bit by bit into the number 1” behind Neuer, Kahn said.