Bayern Munich’s defense could look completely different next season. At least that’s what a report in the specialist magazine “kicker” suggests.
FC Bayern observers may have to adjust. Because according to the “kicker”, not only Lucas Hernández, who has been associated with a move to Paris Saint-Germain for weeks, could leave Munich, but also his defensive colleague Dayot Upamecano. It’s not quite as concrete as with Hernández (contract until 2024), but there is at least a “question mark” behind Upamecano’s future, they say.
Accordingly, those responsible for Bayern expect the central defender, who came from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021, signed until 2026 and cost at least 42.5 million euros, to make better use of his potential and reduce his dropouts.
Things are different with Benjamin Pavard. Apparently he is thinking of change himself, and was already flirting with a change around the World Cup in Qatar. The versatile defender, who prefers to play in central defence, has had several inquiries from top clubs, as the “kicker” found out from those around him.
In addition to Manchester United, ManCity is said to be on the French side. With Liverpool FC there is probably another Premier League representative in the running.
From Italy, Inter Milan is considered interested, and Spanish runners-up Real Madrid also throws his hat in the ring. Pavard’s most important requirement for the coming season is well known: a place in the center of defence. At Munich he mostly held this position under Thomas Tuchel, but had to work as a temporary right-back.
Laimer as a right defender at Bayern?
Should Pavard actually leave Säbener Straße a year before his contract expires, Konrad Laimer could play here as well, according to “kicker”. The FCB bosses should have corresponding mind games. The transfer of the Austrian, who is a midfielder for the Red Bulls, is to be announced shortly.
Loan player Joao Cancelo also made a name for himself as a right-back last season. But the Portuguese, on loan from Manchester City, whose purchase option (70 million euros) was not exercised by those responsible, will probably not return to Munich. The 29-year-old sees his future in Spain, where he has played for Valencia CF in the past.
Last but not least, the “kicker” also brought an early departure from Noussair Mazraoui into play. According to the specialist magazine, the highly talented right-back is unhappy because Tuchel has only relied on him in emergency situations so far.
The Moroccan is said to be thinking about a farewell, three years before the official end of the contract. Mazraoui only moved from Ajax Amsterdam to Munich last summer and played in the team under Julian Nagelsmann, who has since been sacked, before a pericarditis threw him back after the Winter World Cup.