5) Serge Gnabry
Serge Gnabry was one of Germany’s most important players in last summer’s Olympic games. The ex-Arsenal man tied for top-scorer at the tournament where his country finished runners-up.
After a breakout Bundesliga season with Werder Bremen, Gnabry was swooped up by Bayern Munich and subsequently loaned to Hoffenheim.
His one-year loan means that most Bayern fans will have to wait at least another season before seeing what Gnabry brings to the table. But that’s okay. This move wasn’t made to help Bayern Munich now; it was made to secure a bright future.
Not only does this signing show great foresight on Bayern Munich’s part, but also great business. Bayern paid a meager €8 million to trigger his release clause, almost half of his listed €15 million value on Transfermarkt.
Gnabry is a low risk purchase by Bayern with massive reward potential. Should he continue to excel and develop at Hoffenheim, his signing could go down as one of the smartest transfer moves made in Bayern history.