A significantly rebuilt squad should allow Bayern to cheer again. But that doesn't just require new players. Sporting director Eberl and Co. also have to get rid of some of them. That's not so easy.
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- After the first title-less season since 2012, the record champions want to attack again.
- In addition to the already confirmed signings of Hiroki Ito (VfB Stuttgart) and Michael Olise (Crystal Palace), Joao Palhinha (Fulham) is also said to be on the verge of signing.
- Bayern are also said to be interested in Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah and Leipzig's Xavi Simons.
- And even if Max Eberl says that there is no "cut list", some well-known FCB players will still leave the club.
- Matthijs de Ligt looks set to leave soon.
Major football tournaments in the summer are always something of a bazaar for squad planners at clubs like FC Bayern. Which player that I really want to have is particularly brilliant at the moment? Or can I make a professional I want to get rid of myself attractive to other clubs thanks to his performances for the national team? The Munich bosses are following the European Championship closely, although the salesmen at Säbener Strasse have probably had little joy at the home tournament so far.
After their first title-less season since 2012, the record champions want to attack again with a revamped squad - both nationally and internationally. This also requires new players: in addition to the already confirmed signings of Hiroki Ito (VfB Stuttgart) and Michael Olise (Crystal Palace), Joao Palhinha is also said to be on the verge of signing. The European Championship participant with Portugal, whose signing from Fulham FC in the summer of 2023 fell through at the last minute, has already completed the medical check in Munich, according to a Sky report. Palhinha, who celebrated his 29th birthday on Tuesday, is expected to sign before the start of training on Monday. Bayern have not commented on the matter.
Now even rumors about Spanish jewel
Munich are also still interested in international Jonathan Tah from champions Bayer Leverkusen. There has also been repeated talk of interest in Leipzig's Xavi Simons. On Tuesday, the Spanish newspaper "Marca" reported, without naming any sources, that Munich were interested in Spain's European Championship youngster Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, alongside other top European clubs such as FC Barcelona, Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC.
Bayern know, of course, that illustrious names are no guarantee of success. "I don't just want the best players, I want the best team," emphasized new coach Vincent Kompany during his introduction. And the best team is usually the one that is right in terms of football and atmosphere. An XXL squad with many dissatisfied stars who are only used a little rarely creates a good atmosphere.
How much money will de Ligt and co. bring?
So the decisive factor in this Bayern transfer summer will be which players leave the capital. "We don't have any cut lists," sporting director Max Eberl said recently. However, he also said that there will be players "who could have a harder time".
According to reports, Matthijs de Ligt is the first candidate to leave despite having a contract until 2027. The defender wants to join Manchester United, as reported by Sky and Bild, among others. The professional is said to have agreed a deal with the English club.
Bayern would, of course, have liked de Ligt to make a big impression for the Netherlands at the European Championships so that United could be persuaded to pay the highest possible transfer fee. However, the 24-year-old has yet to make any appearances for the Elftal at the European Championships. Nevertheless, Munich are said to want at least 50 million euros.
De Ligt is by no means the only professional who could fetch Bayern many millions: In defense, for example, Alphonso Davies is a candidate. Real Madrid, however, is still hesitating as his preferred destination. However, the 23-year-old Canadian, whose contract runs until 2025, made a name for himself by reaching the semi-finals of the Copa America. Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry (both under contract until 2026) were unable to do so, as both missed out on the European Championships.
New competition provokes departures
Joshua Kimmich's contract runs for one more season. So if Bayern still want a transfer fee for the ambitious DFB player, they would have to sell him. The imminent signing of Palhinha and the return of Josip Stanisic from Leverkusen, which has already been confirmed, will provide Kimmich with additional competition in his positions in defensive midfield and on the right-hand side of defense.
Kingsley Coman is in a similar position following the transfer of his highly-praised compatriot Olise. Munich would also let the Frenchman go if an adequate offer was made, despite his contract running until 2027. However, other clubs may not be lining up for Coman, who is very injury-prone and also very expensive.
