Bayern Munich reportedly interested in Inter Milan’s Marcelo Brozović

The rumored departures of midfielders Thaigo Alcantara and Javi Martinez from Bayern Munich could leave the Bavarian brass a little uncomfortable with the squad’s depth centrally.

Reports out of Italy, however, hint that there could be yet another Croatian solution on the way from Inter Milan to solve a depth issue within the squad. Marcelo Brozović has reportedly fallen out of favor with Inter (where have we seen this before?) and is being targeted by Bayern Munich as a potential solution should both Thiago and Martinez bolt.

Italian outlet Tuttosport indicated that Bayern Munich could make a play for Brozović and the asking price is approximately €28 million. Per the report, Paris Saint-Germain is also interested in Brozović and could challenge the Bavarians for the midfielder.

Inter Milan site SempreInter.com, captured the report and provided some additional context:

The report details how the German and European champions are looking to find new homes for both Javi Martinez and Thiago Alcantara before looking to sign the 27-year-old Croatian midfielder, whose position in the Nerazzurri squad is no longer certain.

Champions League finalists Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in Brozović who scored three goals and provided eight assists in 46 appearances last season. Inter are willing to sell Brozović in order to generate funds for other deals, the report continues, and are now waiting to hear news from Bavaria regarding a deal.

Could a Croatian player who has fallen out of favor at Inter Milan really help Bayern Munich in its pursuit of treble? That sounds totally absurd.

BFW Analysis

If true, Brozović could potentially be the 2020/2021 version of Ivan Perišić. Both players are Croatian, both players are experienced veterans who fell out of favor at Inter Milan, and both were reportedly targeted for a specific role behind some players who have a history of nagging injuries.

Perišić proved to be invaluable in his role as a depth piece behind oft-injured, but extremely talented wingers Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry. Could Brozović have the same effect behind Thomas Muller, Joshua Kimmich, and Leon Goretzka? While Muller and Kimmich are consistently healthy, Goretzka does miss time every season due to muscular issues, while fourth midfielder Corentin Tolisso has also had a history of missing time due to both serious injuries and minor knocks.

Brozović is known mostly as a defensive-style midfielder, but does have the ability to push up the pitch when needed. That versatility would fit well with Kimmich, Goretzka, and Tolisso, who are all versatile enough to conform to whatever role is needed in the midfield. Youngster Adrian Fein is more of a traditional defensive midfielder and could also likely benefit from the veteran presence of a player like Brozović as well.

Should Martinez and Thiago both leave, Brozović could prove be a savvy and valuable acquisition. The reported fee, however, could prove to be a deterrent to Bayern Munich. If the sum of €28 million is concrete, it is hard to believe the Bavarians will engage even if the potential sales of Thiago and Martinez produce a best-case scenario of €45 million.

More likely, Thiago and Martinez would generate €30 million total and Brozović’s price could drop to the €20-€22 million range. That could make things palatable for the Bavarian board.

As for Perišić, it seems as if Bayern Munich potentially wants to bring him back — if the club can negotiate a lower purchase price and/or potentially look at a way to restructure the player’s wages.