Bayern Munich have been quite busy in the transfer market this summer. Which new additions have been Bayern’s most and least important?
6) Sebastian Rudy
Over the winter transfer window, Bayern Munich announced a double swoop of two of Hoffenheim’s most important players. Sebastain Rudy, then Hoffenheim captain, was one of the two players said to be joining Bayern in the coming summer.
A deep-lying midfielder who can also feature at right-back, Rudy is joining Bayern as the quintessential utility man. He is a solid player, but that is about all that can be said of his talent. He lacks the box-to-box skills of Vidal, creative abilities of Thiago and overall dynamism of Coco Tolisso. He’s not bad, but he’s not great.
In fact, it’s hard to imagine him receiving much playing time bar a squad injury crisis. He’ll play occasionally, but making himself a first team regular will be a tall task. However, he has recently claimed to be up for the challenge.
He may be Bayern’s least significant summer signing, but he is by no means a bad one. First, he decided to join Die Roten on a free transfer; Bayern didn’t pay Hoffenheim a penny for him.
Second, he adds depth in multiple positions. As already noted, he can feature both as a midfielder and full-back. He may not quite be at the level of Bayern’s other stars, but he is still better than the majority of Bundesliga midfielders. He’s an excellent signing to give the bigger name guys a few days off.