25 league professional wanted
For coach Thomas Tuchel, the lack of a top center forward at FC Bayern Munich is reflected in the Bundesliga’s top scorer rankings this season. “We’re used to a Bayern player leading the scorer list,” said Tuchel ahead of the record champions’ home game against FC Schalke 04 on Saturday (3:30 p.m.). Munich’s Serge Gnabry (27) and Jamal Musiala (20) are only seventh together with eleven goals this season before the last three games.
Bülter new in the top 10: The top scorers in the Bundesliga
After top scorers Robert Lewandowski (34) and Erling Haaland (22) switched to FC Barcelona and Manchester City last summer, there are no longer any series goalscorers in the Bundesliga. National player Niclas Füllkrug (30) from SV Werder Bremen leads the ranking with 16 goals in front of four players with 13 goals each, but is currently injured. For the first time since Alexander Meier in 2014/15, a professional with fewer than 20 goals could become Bundesliga top scorer. Eight years ago, 18 goals were enough for Meier from Frankfurt. The lowest scores were scored by Fredi Bobic 1995/96, Thomas Allofs and Roland Wohlfarth (both 1988/89) with 17 goals each.
For Tuchel, the importance of a center forward with a goal guarantee for great success can also be seen in the final phase of the Champions League. “Of course, the big teams that are dominating right now have this reliable number nine, which Bayern also had with a Robert Lewandowski at an absolutely world-class level,” he said, referring to the “premier class” semi-final between Real Madrid with top striker Karim Benzema and Manchester City with Haaland. “Everyone is looking for these nine, everyone wants them,” said Tuchel on Friday.
A center forward with world-class potential is therefore high on the wish list in Munich. The aim is, of course, “to find and get one that guarantees 25 goals plus,” noted Tuchel. But: “There aren’t that many of them.” An outstanding nine must also be affordable. Bayern are said to have withdrawn from the race for the designated Serie A top scorer Victor Osimhen (23; Napoli) because of the asking price, among other things. Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani (24) is currently being traded the hottest, Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic (23), Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins (27) and, for more than a year, Harry Kane (29) are said to be candidates. “Right now Robert Lewandowski alone is missing 40 goals in all competitions,” said Tuchel.
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