A significantly restructured squad should make Bayern cheer again. But that doesn’t just require new players. Sporting director Eberl and co. also have to get rid of some. That’s not so easy.
Big football tournaments in the summer are always something like bazaars for squad planners at clubs like FC Bayern. Which player that I absolutely want is currently shining particularly well? Or can I make a professional that I myself want to get rid of attractive to other clubs thanks to his performances with the national team? The Munich bosses are following the European Championship closely, although the sellers on Säbener Strasse have probably had little joy at the home tournament so far.
After the first titleless season since 2012, the record champions want to attack again with a revamped squad – nationally and internationally. This also requires new players: In addition to the already confirmed signings Hiroki Ito (VfB Stuttgart) and Michael Olise (Crystal Palace), Joao Palhinha is also said to be close to signing. The European Championship participant with Portugal, whose signing from FC Fulham in the summer of 2023 fell through at the last minute, has already completed the medical check in Munich, according to a “Sky” report. A signature from Palhinha, who celebrated his 29th birthday on Tuesday, is expected before the start of training on Monday. Bayern did not comment on the matter.
Now even rumors about Spain jewel
In addition, the Munich team wants to keep national player Jonathan Tah from champions Bayer Leverkusen. There has also been repeated talk of interest in Leipzig’s Xavi Simons. On Tuesday, the Spanish “Marca” reported, without citing sources, that the Munich team, along with other top European clubs such as FC Barcelona, FC Liverpool or FC Chelsea, are interested in Spain’s young European Championship star Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao.
Bayern know, of course, that big names are no guarantee of success. “I don’t just want the best players, I want the best team,” said new coach Vincent Kompany at his presentation. And the best team is usually the one where the footballing quality and atmosphere are good. An XXL squad with lots of dissatisfied stars who are rarely used rarely creates a good mood.
How much money do de Ligt and Co bring in?
So this summer’s Bayern transfer window will also determine which players leave the state capital. “We don’t have any cut lists,” sporting director Max Eberl recently said. But he also said that there would be players “who might have a harder time.”
According to reports, Matthijs de Ligt is the first candidate to leave, despite a contract that runs until 2027. The defender wants to join Manchester United, as Sky and “Bild” report, among others. The professional has agreed to work with the English club.
Bayern would of course have hoped that de Ligt would perform well for the Netherlands at the European Championships and that they could get as high a transfer fee as possible from United. However, the 24-year-old has not yet played at all for the Netherlands at the European Championships. Apparently, the Munich team still wants at least 50 million euros.
De Ligt is by no means the only professional who could bring Bayern millions: Alphonso Davies is a candidate in defence, for example. Real Madrid, his desired destination, is still hesitant. The 23-year-old Canadian, whose contract runs until 2025, advertised himself by reaching the semi-finals of the Copa America. Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry (both contracts until 2026) could not do the same, as they both missed the European Championship.
New competition provokes departures
Joshua Kimmich’s contract still runs for one season. If Bayern want a transfer fee for the ambitious DFB player, they would have to sell him. With the impending signing of Palhinha and the already confirmed return of Josip Stanisic from Leverkusen, Kimmich will face additional competition in his positions in defensive midfield and on the right side of defense.
Kingsley Coman is in a similar situation after the transfer of the highly praised compatriot Olise. The Munich team would also let the Frenchman go if they received an adequate offer, despite his contract running until 2027. However, other clubs may not be lining up for Coman, who is very injury-prone and also very expensive.
Source: Stern
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