Gladbach’s Jonas Hofmann talks over Bayern Munich rumors

Update 11:05PM EST

Sport Bild (as captured by Twitter account @iMiaSanMia) caught up with Jonas Hofmann, who acknowledged the rumors linking him to Bayern Munich.

“If a club as big as FC Bayern shows interest in me, then I would of course be happy, because that would be a confirmation for my performances. But generally I don’t want to comment on such rumors,” said Hofmann. “(Gladbach sporting director) Max (Eberl) and I have always been honest to each other. He knows that I feel very comfortable in Gladbach. I’m not desperate to leave. But Max also knows that I’m open to new challenges and don’t want to rule anything out.”

Update 3:15PM EST

Things are getting...weird? This time, kicker is confirming contact between Bayern Munich and Jonas Hofmann:

Update 11:35AM EST

Hofmann is being viewed as an option at right wing-back

Sport1 journalist Florian Plettenberg has confirmed Bayern Munich’s interest in Jonas Hofmann. However, Plettenberg also states that a move could happen in this window or for 2022 — next summer, when Kingsley Coman could leave Bavaria:

More, Plettenberg is reporting that Hofmann could be the impetus for Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann to finally install his preferred 3-4-3 system, where Hofmann could play as an offensively-minded right-back over the more defensive Benjamin Pavard:

Update #Hofmann: Nagelsmann is looking for a fast track player for the right side who is more offensive than Pavard and Davies. Jonas Hofmann can be used flexibly on the right, front and back. Therefore, it fits perfectly into the profile. In addition, national player. @SPORT1 #FCBayernFlag of Germany

According to a report from Bild, Bayern Munich could be lining up a shocking transfer move. The Bavarians are allegedly interested in Borussia Mönchengladbach’s versatile midfielder Jonas Hofmann.

Hofmann, a Germany international, can capably play wither wing position and in the central midfield. The 29-year-old’s positional flexibility helps Bayern Munich in a few ways:

• It adds depth to a squad that is considered thin in some areas.
• It provides a contingency plan for Kingsley Coman’s expected exit next summer.
• It gives Julian Nagelsmann another experienced and talented top-level player to use should Leroy Sane not emerge from his funk or if Serge Gnabry struggles with his consistency again.
• Hofmann can also play as a right-back or right wing-back as we know from Joachim Löw’s preliminary plans for the player during the Euros.

Per Bild, this Hofmann is now officially a “candidate” for a move:

After Marcel Sabitzer (27) from RB Leipzig, there is now another candidate from the Bundesliga. The midfielder from Gladbach, who Munich has in focus for the future, is not Florian Neuhaus (24) for this summer.

According to information from SPORT BILD (print version published Wednesday), the record champions are interested in Jonas Hofmann (29). For Munich, what makes the Gladbacher particularly interesting is its versatility. Hofmann can play on both wings as well as in the central midfield. Former national coach Joachim Löw (61) had even planned Hofmann as a right-back until he was injured at the European Championships.

Hofmann (contract until 2023) also fits in with Bayern’s revitalized transfer philosophy of increasingly relying on German national players.

Hofmann is valued at just under €18 million by Transfermarkt. Assuming that figure would lower somewhat to due COVID-19’s continued financial stress, Hofmann could represent an good low-cost, depth option for the Bavarians.