Rumors explode around FC Bayern
FC Bayern has announced that it will be active in the winter transfer market. Coach Thomas Tuchel already made it clear some time ago where he would like to see reinforcements. The wildest rumors are already running rampant a month before the transfer gates open.
In exactly one month's time, the international soccer market will open its doors again and invite you to go shopping at the start of the year. In the winter transfer market, clubs can correct the omissions of the summer and react to serious injuries in their own squads. And even before the bosses jostle at the doors to get the best bargains or desperate overpriced deals, there is a lot of discussion about what is being pulled out of the bargain bins. Particularly in the spotlight at the moment: FC Bayern.
It seems certain that something will happen in January. Coach Thomas Tuchel criticized the thin squad during the first weeks of the season before the top management told him to stop. There was a discussion and a promise from Uli Hoeneß that the coach would be given everything he needed to be successful. What that is has been clearly outlined for some time now: A genuine new six-man, a "holding six", as it is now called since the transfer of Fulham professional João Palhinha collapsed in the summer of '23, is to come. And Tuchel would not be opposed to reinforcements in defense either.
The past few weeks have always provided him with new fodder for his concerns. Leon Goretzka, for example, a midfield driver, a box-to-box player in the classic sense, has repeatedly helped out in the center of defense. Tuchel was in demand as the king of the puzzle and can claim to have been successful. But he doesn't want to rely on that always continuing. So: Attack the transfer market!
How Bayern could make room for Wirtz in attack
This order is particularly pleasing to all fans of speculation and so rumors are springing up like snowdrops in spring - not only with a view to the current phase, but of course also with a view to summer. Because a transfer window is either open or it feels like it could open at any time. The transfer window is the fifth season in the soccer business and it never ends. And that's why the rumors shoot out of the ground, because it's always spring.
As always, this behavior sometimes takes on grotesque forms. For example, there are rumors on the internet that a reunion between Tuchel and superstar Kylian Mbappé could be on the cards. To be honest, that's pretty rubbish. Munich really have no need in attack. Prince Harry (Kane) reigns supreme up front, with Leroy Sané, Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala scurrying behind him. The youngster is currently injured, but will be back soon. And perhaps Florian Wirtz with him? According to "Bild", FC Bayern is said to be very interested in the super talent from Bayer Leverkusen. But only for the new season. A star could (have to) leave Munich in his place. Leroy Sané, for example? Negotiations with the international are said to be at a standstill.
But why should Bayern let their absolute top player go? His demands for a new contract may be too high, according to Bild colleagues. But he could also move for a completely different reason. Because his heart is not in FC Bayern, but in soccer. And his current outstanding form could just be down to his desire to switch. His contract runs until 2025. "Next summer is Bayern's last chance to really cash in once again," is the transfer parlance.
"In Bayern's field of vision"
Serge Gnabry could also be a candidate if the aim is to make room for Wirtz. And what about the veteran Thomas Müller, whose contract expires in the summer and is the subject of national debate due to his role at the record champions? So far, so wild. And music for the future anyway. But what will happen in the winter? Will Palhinha come after all? The man whose transfer fell through at the very last stages of the summer transfer window. The rumors remain hot, very hot.
A new man on the negotiation market(according to the "Bild" newspaper): Arnau Martínez. The 20-year-old has impressed at Spanish surprise team FC Girona on the right side of defense, playing ten out of 14 possible league games this season. The big plus: Martínez is also sometimes deployed in central defense at Girona and would therefore be a potential alternative for Bayern head coach Thomas Tuchel in two problem areas in the squad. In the summer, Munich lost two players with the same profile in Benjamin Pavard (Inter Milan) and Josip Stanisic (on loan to Bayer Leverkusen) - a decision that has repeatedly led to squad shortages this season.
And what else? The name Trevor Chalobah continues to haunt the forums. In the summer, the man from Tuchel's former club Chelsea FC was already on the radar. Also still in the distribution list: Takehiro Tomiyasu, the Japanese player is under contract with Arsenal FC and is now being courted. This is reported by Sky. Expert @Plettigoal says: "We can report at this point that Tomiyasu was a candidate who was very, very hotly traded at Bayern in the summer. But nothing came of it and now Bayern would like to get him immediately in January." However, a deal is very unrealistic, as Arsenal "absolutely want to keep him due to their personnel shortage." In any case, the 25-year-old remains "in Bayern's sights".
Varane transfer "rather unrealistic" according to Sky information
Slow enough? Of course not! Raphael Varane is still here. Once an important component of the successful Real Madrid squad and a pacifying element alongside cult bully Sergio Ramos, he has long since taken a nosedive with Manchester United. "Bayern are actually looking at Varane. There are no negotiations at the start yet, but Bayern have discussed the player," said @Plettigoal a few days ago.
"Bayern say the transfer is rather unrealistic because his salary is too high. According to our information, he earns around 20 million euros a year. Bayern are still keeping an eye on Varane. The pace could pick up again, but there is currently no agreement." The good news for FC Bayern: the Frenchman's market value has plummeted from 60 million euros to 35 million euros in just two years. This is according to the portal transfermarkt.de. The salary may be high, but the transfer fee is almost a bargain, like a winter sale at C&A.
Martin Zubimendi holds all the keys in his hand
But ready now? No. Is FC Bayern poaching in Belgium? According to the newspaper "La Dernière Heure", the club is reportedly keeping an eye on Noah Makembo. The talented attacking player currently plays for Standard Liège's second team. The 16-year-old's contract there runs until 2025, but can be extended by one year. In addition to Munich, Olympique Lyon are also said to have their eye on the top talent.
There is also still a long way to go in defense. As reported by "Foot Mercato", 18-year-old Leny Yoro is said to have enchanted Bayern. However, the talented player from OSC Lille is free to choose, as Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are also said to be interested in him.
As if all that wasn't enough, Bayern are also in the race for Martin Zubimendi. He plays for Real Sociedad, but certainly not for long. The world is also at his feet, reports "El Nacional". FC Barcelona also want him, but the Spanish international doesn't want to go there, according to reports. He is drawn to the Premier League. However, if Zubimendi does not sign for FC Barcelona, Barça could look to unite the defensive center of the German national team. İlkay Gündoğan is already there and now, writes "Mundo Deportivo", a very hot lead leads to Joshua Kimmich. Just not in the winter. Because there ...
FC Bayern Munich is reportedly interested in signing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen as a replacement for Leroy Sané, who might be leaving in the summer. (From: "How Bayern could make room for Wirtz in attack")
Arnau Martínez, the Spanish defender from FC Girona, has been linked with a move to FC Bayern Munich as a potential solution for their needs in defense. (From: "In Bayern's field of vision")
Source: www.ntv.de
