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Bayern Munich reportedly interested in RB Leipzig’s Lukas Klostermann

By Kiran Thakare

DORTMUND, GERMANY - AUGUST 26: Axel Witsel of Dortmund is challenged by Lukas Klostermann of Leipzig during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig at Signal Iduna Park on August 26, 2018 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Bundesliga/DFL via Getty Images )
DORTMUND, GERMANY - AUGUST 26: Axel Witsel of Dortmund is challenged by Lukas Klostermann of Leipzig during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig at Signal Iduna Park on August 26, 2018 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Bundesliga/DFL via Getty Images ) /
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Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in signing Lukas Klostermann from RB Leipzig to bolster their full-back options.

Though we’re still three months away from the start of the next transfer window, rumors are still cropping up as teams prepare to bolster their squads in the winter. Bayern Munich have been efficient in planning their transfer targets in the past several years.

They addressed the vacant back-up striker position last winter by signing Sandro Wagner from Hoffenheim. With Juan Bernat now at PSG, the full-back position is likely to be on Bayern’s agenda in the upcoming transfer window.

According to a report by Sports Mediaset, Bayern are keeping tabs on RB Leipzig’s Lukas Klostermann to address their relative lack of depth at full-back. The Bavarians are keen on the 22-year-old and could make a move for him in January.

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Klostermann can operate at both right-back and left-back. He has played for the German national team in various age groups, but he is yet to play under Joachim Low. Klostermann was, however, part of the young Germany team which won the silver medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. The youngster is not a finished product, but he has the qualities to become one of the Bundesliga’s best in his position.

Bayern Munich currently have one of the best full-back pairings in Europe. Joshua Kimmich has made the right-back position his own since taking over from Philipp Lahm at the beginning of last season. The German has provided a new dimension to Bayern’s attack, making himself a constant threat on Bayern’s right side. Kimmich is still defensively suspect, but he has the right attitude to iron out his minor mistakes in the future.

On the opposite side of the pitch, David Alaba is getting back to his very best. The 26-year-old had stalled a bit in the past couple of seasons, but he still remains one of the most impressive left-backs in the game. These two players have age on their side and — barring any injury problems — they are set to be Bayern’s first choice full-backs for a long time.

Bayern Munich do need decent cover for these two full-backs, though. Rafinha has been a fantastic player for the club since joining from Genoa in 2011. The Brazilian can play on both sides of defense, but he is entering the twilight of his career. He was handed a one-year contract extension earlier this year, which is likely to be his last with the club.

The Bavarians suffered a major blow last weekend when Rafinha suffered an injury against Bayer Leverkusen. The Brazilian is out for the next few weeks, leaving only Alaba and Kimmich to cover at full-back. The German club refused to replace Juan Bernat in the summer window, believing their squad size to be sufficient.

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Klostermann would be a decent option for Bayern Munich in the January window should they move for him. He fits very well with the club’s policy of signing young German talent instead of going for star players. If Rafinha makes a swift recovery from injury, however, Bayern may hold out until next summer before making any move for another full-back.

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