Jerome Boateng could leave Bayern Munich over the summer. If he does, the Bavarians would turn to Matthijs de Ligt as a long-term replacement.
Even with the ongoing World Cup, the rumor mill is still up and running. In recent weeks, the main focus of Bayern Munich-related transfer news has shifted from striker Robert Lewandowski to center-back Jerome Boateng.
Just last week, CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed that his club would sell Boateng if he wanted to leave and a suitable offer was made. This came not long after the player himself gave hints about leaving the club in the summer.
Bayern have now reportedly listed their price for the German international. According to a report from Sport Bild, only offers in the €50-60 million region would even be considered by the Bavarians.
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That reported price is perhaps a little low for a player of Boateng’s caliber. When fit, he’s one of the very best defenders in Europe. The only problem is that he’s only fit for about half the season, which is presumably why Bayern are even willing to consider selling him.
If a suitable offer arrives and Bayern do decide to sell Boateng, they’ve already earmarked someone to replace him. Per Sport Bild chief Christian Falk, Ajax youngster Matthijs de Ligt would be Bayern’s main target should Boateng leave. The Bavarians have long been rumored to be interested in the young defender, but this is the first concrete report on a potential transfer move.
At only 18-years-old, De Ligt wouldn’t be an immediate replacement for Boateng, but rather a long-term option. Niklas Sule, who already played more minutes than Boateng this past season, would no doubt serve as the more immediate replacement for his veteran compatriot. Although he’s still relatively young himself at 22-years-old, Sule has proven capable of being a first-team starter for Bayern Munich.
De Ligt would be a great buy for Bayern, but Boateng’s departure would still leave the club a little short on experience in the center-back department. Mats Hummels would be the only true veteran of the backline, unless Javi Martinez is to be moved back to central defense.
The Spaniard looks much more comfortable as a defensive midfielder than a center-back, but he is certainly capable of playing in defense. But if Niko Kovac plans to deploy a formation that utilizes three center-backs, Martinez would be a more than capable option of filling one of those three spots.
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Jerome Boateng’s departure would leave Bayern a little short on experience in the backline, but the could certainly manage. Boateng’s severe struggles with fitness have made him far less than reliable throughout recent seasons. If the Bavarians are to sell him, though, it must be for a significant price. And they must have a replacement lined up, even if it is a youngster like Matthijs de Ligt.