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According to a report from Sport 1 journalist Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich has a clear vision for its transfer plans in the summer window.
With a set of potential departures in David Alaba and Jerome Boateng on the back-line and some uncertainty about the squad’s depth pieces in the central midfield, it looks like the club has a strong idea of what positions it will pursue in the offseason:
Today confirmed ✅ As well as the info that Kimmich will play in the defensive midfield against @borussia again. Next transfers in summer: At least one central defender and a midfielder. @SPORT1 #FCBayern https://t.co/ZuloUEK2eb
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 7, 2021
The news regarding potential moves in the central defense are not entirely surprising given the likely departures of both Alaba and Boateng. Niklas Süle, Lucas Hernandez, and potentially Benjamin Pavard are potential options to use in a rotation. The report, however, does cause wonder in how Hansi Flick views youngsters such as Chris Richards, Tanguy Nianzou, and Darmstadt-loanee Lars Lukas Mai.
Richards has impressed when given the opportunity, while Nianzou has been injured virtually all season. Mai, meanwhile, has had a very strong season in 2.Bundesliga, while on loan.
Could those three player prove to Flick they can fill the void for the next season? We should get a more clear idea over the course of the Rückrunde.
As far as the central midfield goes, Bayern Munich has already been linked to a slew of players, including Borussia Mönchengladbach’s duo of Florian Neuhaus and Denis Zakaria among others. While Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, and Thomas Müller are undisputed starters at the 6, 8, and 10 positions, the depth from there could be questionable. Jamal Musiala has show signs of stardom and is versatile enough to play multiple roles, while newcomer Tiago Dantas will likely get a chance to prove his mettle in the second half of the season.
Javi Martinez is almost certainly leaving the club and Corentin Tolisso’s uneven play has made his future in Bavaria uncertain as well. Marc Roca has reportedly failed to impress Flick, while Nianzou, who can also function as a defensive-midfielder, just has not been healthy enough for anyone to form much of an opinion.
Angelo Stiller is considered Bayern Munich’s most ready midfield prospect internally, but likely will leave the club in the coming months.
Buckle up, I suppose, things could get bumpy (in terms of transfer news) from here.