FC Bayern's big transfer market questions
A clearly rebuilt squad should make FC Bayern cheer again after a titleless season, but it's not just about new players. Sport executive Max Eberl and co. need to let go of some professionals as well. However, this is proving to be anything but easy.
Big soccer tournaments in the summer are always a kind of bazaar for squad planners at clubs like FC Bayern. Which player do I absolutely want, who shines particularly brightly? Or can I get rid of a player I want to let go of, whose performances for the national team might attract other clubs? The Munich bosses are following the European Championship closely, with sellers at Säbener Straße reportedly having had little joy at home games so far.
The record champion intends to attack again with a reinforced squad - both nationally and internationally. This requires new players: In addition to the already agreed transfers of Hiroki Ito (VfB Stuttgart) and Michael Olise (Crystal Palace), Joao Palhinha is also expected to sign shortly. The European Championship participant with Portugal, whose acquisition from FC Fulham failed in the last minute of the summer 2023 transfer window, has reportedly already undergone a medical check-up in Munich, according to a "Sky" report. A signature from Palhinha, who celebrated his 29th birthday on Tuesday, is expected to still be forthcoming before the training start on Monday. The Bayern have not commented on this.
Rumors about Spain's Jewel
Furthermore, the Munich team wants to add Jonathan Tah from Meister Bayer Leverkusen to their ranks. There have also been repeated rumors about an interest in Leipzig's Xavi Simons. On Tuesday, the Spanish "Marca" reported without naming sources that Munich, along with other European top clubs such as FC Barcelona, FC Liverpool, and Chelsea, are interested in Spain's EM-junior Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao. The expensive problem: The 21-year-old has only recently extended his contract until 2027. In the event of an early exit, the report states, a fee of 55 million Euros has been agreed.
The Bayern know that flashy names do not guarantee success for a long time. "I don't just want the best players, but the best team," new coach Vincent Kompany emphasized at his presentation. And the best team is usually the one where it clicks both football-wise and atmospherically. A jumbo squad with many unhappy stars who barely get to play rarely leads to a good mood.
So, this Bayern transfer summer will also be crucial in determining which players still leave Munich. "There are no strike lists," sports director Max Eberl recently said. He also said that there would be players who "it will be harder for."
How much money will De Ligt and Co. bring?
According to reports, Matthijs de Ligt, despite a contract until 2027, is the first candidate for a departure. Sky and "Bild" report that he wants to join Manchester United. The defender has reportedly agreed to terms with the English. Bayern, of course, would have preferred if de Ligt had impressed for the Netherlands at the EM and they could extract a high transfer fee from United. However, the 24-year-old has not yet played for the Dutch team at the EM. The Munich team wants to get at least 50 million Euros for him.
De Ligt is no longer the only professional who could bring millions to Bayern: In defense, Alphonso Davies is a candidate. Real Madrid is still hesitant about him. The 23-year-old Canadian's entry into the Copa America semifinals boosted his market value, as his contract runs until 2025.
New competition creates departures
Joshua Kimmich's contract expires after one more season. If Bayern still want to have an exit fee for the ambitious German national team player, they would have to sell him. The impending signing of Palhinha, as well as the already secured buyback option for Josip Stanisic from Leverkusen, will provide additional competition for Kimmich in his defensive midfield and right back positions.
Similarly, Kingsley Coman's situation changes after the transfer of highly-rated teammate Michael Olise. The Frenchman could be let go by Munich at an appropriate offer, despite his contract running until 2027. However, other clubs might not be lining up for Coman, who is injury-prone and expensive.
FC Bayern Munich's sports director Max Eberl and his team are actively monitoring the transfer market, with reports suggesting an interest in Spain's EM-junior Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao. Despite having recently extended his contract until 2027, a potential early exit could cost a hefty fee of 55 million Euros.
In the Soccer Bundesliga, rumors continue to swirl around FC Bayern Munich's potential transfer of Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen, who could provide a much-needed boost to their defense. Meanwhile, in the Soccer Bundesliga and Transfers and rumors, the record champion is also keen on adding Hiroki Ito from VfB Stuttgart and Michael Olise from Crystal Palace, as well as considering the possibility of reintegrating Josip Stanisic from Leverkusen, with a buyback option currently in place.
