FC Bayern is thinly staffed in the right-back position: the departures of Benjamin Pavard and Josip Stanisic were offset by the failed signing of Manchester City veteran Kyle Walker in the summer. Now the German record champions are apparently putting out feelers for a Chelsea FC star.
With Benjamin Pavard’s move to Inter Milan and Josip Stanisic’s loan to Bayer Leverkusen, a potentially large gap has emerged in the right-back position at FC Bayern.
Since the desired signing of Manchester City star Kyle Walker also fell through, there are only two traditional right-backs in the Munich squad: Noussair Mazraoui and Bouna Sarr.
The Munich team is therefore looking more than ever for reinforcements for the right side of the defense – and have apparently found what they are looking for at a former club of coach Thomas Tuchel.
According to “90min.com”, FC Bayern is interested in signing Reece James. The 23-year-old captain of Chelsea FC is a 13-time England international and – like Pavard – can play as both a right and central defender.
FC Bayern wants Chelsea star: Is there a risk of bidding with Real Madrid?
Bayern coach Tuchel knows and appreciates James from his time with the Blues. Together they won the Champions League in 2021. The talented youngster played brilliantly in Chelsea’s 1-0 final win over Man City.
However, the hurdles for signing the 2021 European runner-up seem to be quite high. James’ contract with the Blues runs until 2028 and his market value is estimated at 65 million euros. A change during the coming winter break seems almost impossible.
In addition, Chelsea’s current coach Mauricio Pochettino thinks highly of James, who took over as captain of his youth club before the current season.
“He is a player who can be a leader, by his character, his qualities,” said the Argentine before the start of the season: “He is the present and the future of the club. He is the perfect player, the perfect person to be captain be.”
According to the Spanish football portal “Fichajes”, FC Bayern is also at risk of competing with Real Madrid. Spain’s record champions want to settle the succession of veterans Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vásquez at an early stage.