FC Bayern's big transfer market questions
A clearly rebuilt squad should make FC Bayern joyful again after a titleless season. But it's not just about new players. Sport director 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 to have? 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 dealers on Saebener Street at home reportedly having had little joy 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 said to be close to signing. 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 turned 29 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 have Jonathan Tah from Meister Bayer Leverkusen. The interest in Leipzig's Xavi Simons has also been reported frequently. On Tuesday, the Spanish "Marca" reported without naming sources that Munich, along with other European top clubs such as FC Barcelona, FC Liverpool, or 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 Euro 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 during his presentation. And the best team is usually the one where it fits football-wise, but also atmospherically. A jumbo squad with many unhappy stars who barely get to play rarely leads to good mood.
Therefore, this Bayern transfer summer will also be crucial in determining which players still leave Munich. "There are no strike lists," sporting director Max Eberl recently said. He added, however, 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 is said to have come to an agreement 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 made an appearance for the Dutch team at the European Championship. The Munich team is reportedly demanding at least 50 million Euro.
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 appeal, as his contract runs until 2025. Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry (both contracted until 2026) could not do the same, as they both missed the Euros.
New competition causes departures
Joshua Kimmich's contract still runs for one more season. If Bayern still want to have an exit fee for the ambitious German international, they would have to sell him. The impending signing of Palhinha, as well as the already secured buyback option for Josip Stanisic from Leverkusen, adds competition for Kimmich in his defensive midfield and right back positions.
Similarly, Kingsley Coman's situation changes after the transfer of the highly-rated French teammate Michael Olise. The Munich team would let go of Coman 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.
The arrival of Joao Palhinha is forecasted to strengthen FC Bayern Munich's squad, following a report suggesting he has undergone a medical check-up in Munich. Meanwhile, Max Eberl and the club's management are also considering the departure of players, such as Spain's EM-junior Nico Williams, whose transfer away could potentially cost €55 million due to his recent contract extension with Athletic Bilbao.
