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Bayern Munich linked with Hoffenheim defender Kevin Vogt

By Benjamin Scott

SINSHEIM, GERMANY - JANUARY 20: Kevin Vogt of Hoffenheim controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Rhein-Neckar-Arena on January 20, 2018 in Sinsheim, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images)
SINSHEIM, GERMANY - JANUARY 20: Kevin Vogt of Hoffenheim controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Rhein-Neckar-Arena on January 20, 2018 in Sinsheim, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images) /
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Bayern Munich could be bolstering their backline this summer, with Hoffenheim’s Kevin Vogt a rumored target for the Bavarians.

Niko Kovac’s last match with Eintracht Frankfurt could hardly have gone any better. Ahead of his joining Bayern Munich in the summer, Kovac defeated his future employers in the DFB Pokal final with a significantly weaker squad. Frankfurt’s shocking win not only prevented Bayern from sending Jupp Heynckes off with a domestic double, but also did a lot in proving Kovac’s detractors wrong.

Since Kovac was announced as Bayern’s impending manager, the 46-year-old manager has been criticized by fans for his defensive mindset. Kovac has often played a defensive game, focused on  overcoming opponents with well-worked counter-attacking moves.

Part of this tactical approach means Kovac often lines his men up in a formation with three central defenders. Though he has promised to show tactical flexibility in Munich, it’s easy to imagine he’ll stick to his preferred formation with the German champions.

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To ensure he has the proper personnel to do this, Bayern Munich could very well be in the market for another central defender this summer. According to a report from Kicker, Hoffenheim defender Kevin Vogt is one of Kovac’s targets.

Vogt has been an excellent player for his side under Julian Nagelsmann for the past few seasons. His versatility allows him to play as both a central defender and a defensive midfielder. However, he’s perhaps most comfortable as a center-back in a back three, which would explain Kovac’s reported interest.

Jerome Boateng’s recent comments about his future (or lack thereof) in Munich only fuel the rumors that Bayern will be signing another central defender this summer. Even if the Berlin-born defender decides to stay, though, die Roten could still use some depth at the heart of defense.

But even if they are in the market for a center-back, is Kevin Vogt the best the Bavarians can get?

The Hoffenheim vice-captain — though talented — has not exactly set the Bundesliga alight with otherworldly performances. If he was to join Bayern Munich, his playing time would no doubt be severely limited.

At 26-years-old, he’d be a decent option for the next few years, but he’s not young enough to still be labeled a developmental player.

If Bayern are indeed looking to bolster their central defense, perhaps young Ajax man Matthijs de Ligt would be a better option.

Next: Bayern Munich must make Matthijs de Ligt transfer a priority

For a minuscule fee, maybe Vogt wouldn’t be a terrible option for Bayern, but he shouldn’t be first choice. He wouldn’t offer the club anything they don’t already have, and would only fuel the fire of anger in people who claim Bayern weaken the Bundesliga by poaching from other clubs.

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