After the World Cup in Qatar, FC Bayern wanted to start the second half of the Bundesliga season with a breath of fresh air. But after the tournament in the desert state, those responsible at Munich have more construction sites than before. Is there an immediate need for action to avoid jeopardizing the goals for the season?
There is frustration among the German internationals, and then there are the long-term injuries to Manuel Neuer, Lucas Hernández and Sadio Mané: The winter break turned out to be a real bad streak for FC Bayern.
Not only for coach Julian Nagelsmann was the long winter break under a bad star. Board member for sport Hasan Salihamidzic couldn’t switch off for a second, as his squad, which was put together with such great effort, is currently lacking in a few important components.
After all, the Munich team can report their first success on the transfer market: Dutchman Daley Blind joins the German record champions. A transfer is not due for the defensive all-rounder, who can play as a left-back, in central defense and in defensive midfield.
Nevertheless, open construction sites remain. There is still a need for action at FC Bayern:
FC Bayern: construction site goalkeeper
The most discussed and written about the replacement of Manuel Neuer. The only thing that seems certain is that the record champions no longer want to place their trust in substitute keeper Sven Ullreich.
The “obvious solution” (quote Salihamidzic), the loaned Alexander Nübel, currently feels so comfortable in Monaco that he seems to rule out a return to his regular club himself.
Therefore, the much more experienced Yann Sommer from Borussia Mönchengladbach is the more promising candidate. His employer can still generate a fee in winter before Sommer’s contract expires at the end of June.
Coach Daniel Farke doesn’t even think about a change from “one of the best goalkeepers in Europe”. Sommer himself is said to have already agreed on a change with FC Bayern. An agreement between Gladbach and Munich is still pending.
If the summer deal bursts, FC Bayern faces a problem. Because not only those responsible for sport, but also the Bayern defensive want clarity as soon as possible who is behind them between the posts.
Perhaps the “eternal” Neuer replacement Ulreich is ultimately the best because it is the most logical and uncomplicated representative of Neuer. By the way: FC Bayern won all eight games in which “Ulle” kept the goal – there was a zero against Barcelona and Inter in the Champions League.
FC Bayern: construction site defense
Despite the transfer of Daley Blind, there could still be some catching up to do in Bayern’s back line. The reason for this is Benjamin Pavard’s change of mind.
The Frenchman’s contract is still dated until 2024, but there are no plans to extend it after the 26-year-old publicly expressed his desire to change.
A farewell in winter is very unlikely given the thin Bayern squad
In order to be prepared for a possible Pavard departure, FCB is already thinking about a right-back for the summer transfer window. However, the budget planning does not provide for a big solution, in the “Sport Bild” there is talk of a “highly talented perspective player”.
FC Bayern: construction site offensive
The French “L’Équipe” reported on Wednesday that Bayern newcomer Sadio Mané will return to team training at the beginning of February. The Senegalese injured his calf in early November and needed surgery.
After missing the World Cup, Bayern are now hoping that Mané will play a role in the eagerly awaited round of 16 duels against Paris Saint-Germain.
Is the construction site closed again on the offensive? Not at all, because firstly, Mané’s comeback cannot yet be planned and secondly, there would still be his potential representative Thomas Müller.
The veteran played a botched World Cup finals and has rarely been on the pitch with Bayern recently due to persistent hip problems. The training camp in Doha will show how Müller has recovered from the setbacks.
Add to that the uncertain future of Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. The striker’s contract expires at the end of the season, and although initial talks have already taken place regarding an extension, there can be no talk of an agreement yet.
Recently there have been reports that Manchester United want to lure Choupo-Moting into the Premier League in winter. If the rumors are true, a new construction site for Brazzo and Co. would open up in the center of the storm.
Lars Wiedemann