Bundesliga
Bayern plans with Rice and Co.: “Gaga” or indispensable?
Bayern Munich President Herbert Hainer cheers after the championship on the town hall balcony. photo
© Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/dpa
FC Bayern could handle 100 million euro transfers. But do Munich really go that far for a center forward or six? For Karl-Heinz Rummenigge something else is more important.
The transfer barrier of 100 million euros is shaking at FC Bayern Munich.
“We could – but we would discuss it intensively in our group,” said President Herbert Hainer in an interview with “Sport Bild” in response to a corresponding question.
There is a lot of speculation about well-known newcomers in the dizzying millions à la Harry Kane in the Munich football summer slump. Even club patron Uli Hoeneß considers some to be “completely gaga”. It is clear, however, that the German series champion has to strengthen himself with just one title after a disappointing season and the quake of the board.
Rummenigge: Functional team instead of huge sums
The center forward position still needs to be filled a year after Robert Lewandowski’s departure. A defensive midfielder is also high on the shopping list – especially for coach Thomas Tuchel.
But it shouldn’t always be necessary to blow hundreds of millions of euros into the transfer market, said Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who had returned from the supervisory board. Rather, a functional team is needed, warned the former CEO. Above all, Rummenigge calls for a harmonious hierarchy. Just as it was once given by the management axis around Manuel Neuer, David Alaba and Thomas Müller.
In addition, even the financially strong FC Bayern cannot simply shake large purchases out of the bag. The squad is large – and expensive. Last season, those responsible in Sadio Mané brought in another top earner, and contracts with Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry were extended at great expense. Loan players like Marcel Sabitzer (Manchester United) are returning. You want to keep top players like Lucas Hernandez. And with Manuel Neuer and Yann Sommer in goal, the payroll is already well filled.
Bayern have to make room
That means: Bayern must first create space and generate income in order to be able to risk a carefree look at high price tags. And then there is also the question of why professionals – especially those from the rich Premier League – should switch to the German premier league? The inglorious departure from the coach for Julian Nagelsmann, the early knockout in the premier class and the quake in leadership at the end of the season: Bayern gave a picture that could make players and their advisors think. The image is cracked. Nevertheless, some names are traded. An overview of who could come and who could go:
Declan Rice: The West Ham United midfielder is considered the Munich player of choice. Thomas Tuchel is said to see the 24-year-old as the ideal partner for Joshua Kimmich. A personal meeting with the England international has probably already taken place. However, Rice still has a contract in London until 2024, with an option for another season, it is said. A possible transfer is more likely to be in the three-digit million range. And the wealthy Arsenal FC is also courting Rice.
Vlahovic neste solution in center forward position
Dusan Vlahovic: The Serb may not be Bayern’s 1A solution for the center forward position. But since Naples’ Victor Osimhen is “completely priceless” according to honorary president Hoeneß and a transfer from England captain Harry Kane is “completely gaga”, the beefy offensive player from Juventus Turin is considered the most realistic Lewandowski successor. Eintracht Frankfurt’s Kolo Muani is also being discussed on Säbener Straße. It can be heard from the club that those responsible for the French disagree.
Konrad Laimer and Raphael Guerreiro: Finally good news for the Munich purse. Both players would be available on a free transfer. While the transfer of Leipzig midfielder Laimer is said to have been fixed for some time, Bayern are reportedly working intensively on signing a contract with Dortmund defender Guerreiro. Tuchel once worked with the Portuguese at BVB.
Departures: According to media reports, Munich’s previous record purchase Hernández (80 million) is moving to Paris Saint-Germain. Benjamin Pavard reportedly has offers from Spain, Italy and England. Both are contractually bound in Munich until 2024 – high transfer fees could only be generated this summer. There have also recently been transfer rumors about Leon Goretzka or Joshua Kimmich. However, a departure of the DFB duo from Munich is considered unrealistic.