Key decisions upcoming on Bayern Munich loanees Chris Richards and Leon Dajaku

Bayern Munich youngsters Chris Richards and Leon Dajaku are on loan to Hoffenheim and Union Berlin respectively and key decisions will need to be made on each player’s future very shortly.

According to Sport Bild reporter Tobi Altschäffl, Hoffenheim is doing everything within its power to keep Richards in Sinsheim for at least another year, while Dajaku allegedly wants to stay with Die Eisernen:

Richards is a prodigious talent who would seemingly be a good fit in whatever formation new manager Julian Nagelsmann will use next season, while Dajaku’s free-wheeling — and sometimes reckless style — is a better fit with Union Berlin than in Munich at this stage.

The issue for Richards is that sheer volume of defenders who are available to Bayern Munich right now. As of today, Niklas Süle, Lucas Hernandez, Dayot Upamecano, Benjamin Pavard, Tanguy Nianzou, Alphonso Davies, Bouna Sarr, and rumored signee Omar Richards will comprise the group that will head into the summer populating the depth chart.

That list does not even include Lars Lukas Mai, who is on loan at Darmstadt or the plethora of young defenders fighting to establish themselves on Bayern Munich II like Josip Stanisic, FC Dallas-loanee Justin Che (who could push for a longer stay in Germany), Jamie Lawrence, or Bright Arrey-Mbi.

Even with Chris Richards’ great ability, another season on loan would at least guarantee him first-team field time in the Bundesliga. Richards’ loan with Die Kraichgauer has absolutely proven he is ready for a starting role in Germany’s top flight.

As for Dajaku, the 20-year-old is an exciting offensive talent, but his game might not be mature enough as of yet for a spot alongside the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Müller. A longer stint for more seasoning with Union Berlin might be the best move for the youngster.