FC Bayern's Summer of Transfer Difficulties
The questions surrounding FC Bayern's coaching position have been put to rest, but this is just the beginning. The German football champions need to undergo a complete makeover according to coach Vincent Kompany and sports director Max Eberl. During the reconstruction, some big names might be involved.
Kompany and Leroy Sané had a close bond during their three years at Manchester City. However, the new Bayern coach assured that he won't be showing any favors to his former teammate. "We had some great times together at City. My role now is to bring out the best in Leroy Sané, like any other player," said the 38-year-old Belgian coach at his Munich presentation.
However, who will make up the rest of the Bayern squad in the future is still uncertain. It's a given that the Munich team plans to overhaul their luxury squad following a season with no titles and stagnation. The extent of these changes and who it may impact remains a mystery.
Kompany and Eberl were careful not to share any specifics on Thursday. Eberl divulged, "I've already discussed players and the squad at length with sporting director Christoph Freund." They're "probably further along than people think," he added with a smile. There are no hard and fast "strike lists" at Bayern, but "players who might face challenges in the future is a part of performance sports."
No speculation about individual players just yet
Kompany stated that it's "too early to talk about specific players" who could be affected by the restructuring. He stressed, "What the squad needs, we'll figure out internally." It's "crucial to see how motivated the players are. I want to identify which player is motivated, so we can be successful again."
On June 30, only the contracts of Bouna Sarr and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting will expire in Munich, as Eberl already pointed out: "The foundation isn't too bad." "We have ideas and thoughts," he reassured. "Kicker" reports that between five to seven players could leave. Bayern isn't afraid to let go of big names and cut the wage bill.
Recent candidates that have been rumored to be on the chopping block include Leon Goretzka, Joshua Kimmich, Matthijs de Ligt, Alphonso Davies, Dayot Upamecano, Noussair Mazraoui, Serge Gnabry, and Kingsley Coman. Sané seems to have escaped the axe for now. Davies reportedly has an interest in Real Madrid, and Bayern awaits more information from the Canadian. Kimmich is said to be among those wanted by FC Barcelona, who will be coached by Hansi Flick in the future. Transfers could be complex as some Bayern stars are expensive and highly paid.
Who will strengthen and lead FC Bayern to more triumphs?
Rumors are rampant about who will bolster and lead Bayern to new victories. Stars like Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), or Jack Grealish (Manchester City) are being mentioned. Players from the Bundesliga that have sparked interest from Munich are Chris Führich (VfB Stuttgart), Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen), and the young Brajan Gruda (Mainz 05).
"I'm thinking straight about the matches and the steps we need to take next," Eberl stated bluntly, adding, "It's a new approach, new energy, new power, and I hope, new success." He has "clear plans," said the new Bayern coach, but it's not about "the best players, but the best team."
