Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in bringing Swiss international Ricardo Rodriguez back to the Bundesliga.
The left-back situation at Bayern Munich appears to be fixed as David Alaba is set to stay at the club next season. However, Bayern Munich will likely look for cover for the Austrian international, as Juan Bernat is likely to leave the club in this transfer window. The Spaniard is one of the few players for whom Bayern are ready to listen to offers.
Bernat has been linked with a move back to Spain in his quest for regular gametime. According to Calciomercato, Ricardo Rodriguez is one player who could replace him at Bayern. The Bavarians have not yet, though, made an official offer for the Swiss international. But this report suggests that AC Milan are likely to sell the defender if a good offer arrives. Borussia Dortmund is the other German club interested in signing Rodriguez.
Bayern Munich were previously linked with Jonas Hector for the left-back position. However, the German international signed a new deal with FC Koln despite the club’s relegation from the Bundesliga. The Bavarians will have to switch their attention to other targets.
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Rodriguez ticks all the boxes for a back-up left-back. He already knows the Bundesliga well, as he spent five years at Wolfsburg before moving to AC Milan last summer. Rodriguez is a fantastic attacking full-back and also a dead ball specialist. He has featured regularly for AC Milan but couldn’t deliver consistent performances.
The full-backs are going to be two important positions for Bayern Munich if Niko Kovac plans to play a 3-4-1-2/3-1-4-2 formation. Joshua Kimmich has been exceptional this season and is likely to do even better next year. Bayern have extended Rafinha’s contract by one more year, so the Brazilian will be the back-up option for the right-back position.
On the left hand side, David Alaba has blown hot and cold in the past two seasons. The Austrian has been subject to interest to Real Madrid, according to his agent. However the full-back has openly admitted that he is happy at Bayern. The German champions will be hoping that Alaba is back to his best next season.
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Bayern have been linked with Kevin Vogt in the past two weeks. The future of Jerome Boateng remains uncertain at the club. However, apart from a central defender, the German Champions need a left-back. The Bavarians need to provide good competition for Alaba in this position, and Ricardo Rodriguez could be the man to do just that.