Rating Bayern Munich’s 2021 summer transfer window

In one of the most eventful summers in recent memory, Bayern Munich mostly managed to stay out of the madness, continuing the club philosophy of plugging holes and making smart signings. With the transfer window now officially closed, we can finally look back and see what the team’s overall situation looks like. Here’s a quick review of everything that went down ...

The Good

• Dayot Upamecano for €40 million is a solid transfer and a much-needed one, given that we just lost David Alaba to Real Madrid. He’s started the season well thus far, including a superlative performance versus Borussia Dortmund in the DFL-Supercup.
• Marcel Sabitzer at less than €20 million is a total steal. His acquisition gives Bayern depth in midfield and the option to move Joshua Kimmich to fullback if needed. Great signing, ignore the screeching from the Prem fans.
• Bringing back Sven Ulreich while sending Alexander Nubel on loan seems like a good way to keep Nubel’s value intact. The former Schalke man now gets to spend a year in Ligue 1 developing outside of Manuel Neuer’s shadow.
• Sending Chris Richards on loan back to Hoffenheim is a good decision, given the large number of center-backs the club has right now.
• We didn’t buy Thilo Kehrer!

The Bad

• Joshua Zirkzee and Fiete Arp couldn’t be sold, and had to be sent on loan. In Arp’s case, it’s been confirmed that Bayern is having to pay the majority of his salary. Still, at least they have a chance of getting playing time this season.
• Bayern were unable to buy Amine Adli or secure the services of a new right-back. Neither transfer was as important as signing a new midfielder (Sabitzer) but not getting them does hurt a little.
• Multiple veteran players all left this summer on free transfers. Jerome Boateng, Javi Martinez, and David Alaba all probably should’ve been sold a year ago to generate at least €25-€40 million in transfer fees. Not doing so has cost Bayern in this market, where finances are tough.
• We didn’t buy Messi ...

The Ugly

• Buona Sarr is still here! He has offers, but the dude is staying put until the end of time.
• Michael Cuisance is still here! No one wants him.
• Corentin Tolisso is still here! And he will probably leave for a free transfer next summer. More revenue lost.

Overall, I’d give this window a B. Some good acquisitions were made, but too many players were allowed to leave for free and not enough deadwood was shipped out by the club. Bayern Munich needs to get better at selling players.

What did you think of Bayern’s 2021 summer transfer window? Let us know in the comments!