In a curious rumor, Bayern Munich is allegedly kicking the tires on Olympique Lyonnais and France youth international Melvin Bard. Bard, a skilled left-back, has caught the attention of the Bavarians but plays a position that is currently stacked on the first-team roster.
Could that roster depth be thinned out via a key transfer? Perhaps.
Per Le’Equipe, Bayern Munich is just one of several clubs interested in the 19-year-old prospect:
Lorient, Brest, Nice and even Reims have recently taken a close look at his situation. Ligue 2 clubs are also on the lookout for this matter. Seduced by his performances in the Youth League, Bayern Munich has started concrete discussions to recruit him. OL have reportedly been informed of Bayern’s intentions in recent days.
It could be assumed that Bard would be a natural fit to start at left-back for 3.Liga champion Bayern Munich II given Derrick Köhn’s departure for Willem II, but should David Alaba leave Bavaria, Bard could also potentially be a bench player on the first-team.
BFW Analysis
With Alaba’s status currently uncertain, Bayern Munich might be exploring a contingency plan in the form of Bard. While Alaba has settled into a starting role at left-center back, he remains an extremely good player as a left-back where Bayern Munich currently starts star-in-the-making Alphonso Davies.
With record-transfer Lucas Hernandez currently the primary back-up for both center-back and left-back, it can be assumed that the 24-year-old Frenchman would move into Alaba’s starting role should the Austrian opt for greener pastures this summer. Having a young, exciting player like Bard in-house with Bayern Munich II would alleviate any immediate concerns should Bayern Munich suffer a string of injuries that affect the left side of the defense.
A move for Bard would also bring yet another Frenchman on the grounds of Säbener Strasse. Currently, winger Kingsley Coman, midfielders Corentin Tolisso and Michaël Cuisance, and defenders Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard make-up the Bavarians’ French contingent. PSG transfer Tanguy Kouassi Nianzou will also join Bayern Munich for the 2020/2021 season.