Bayern Munich show interest in Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic
Bayern Munich are reportedly monitoring the progress of Fiorentina’s young Serbian center-back Nikola Milenkovic.
The transfer window came to its conclusion last week, but the rumors continue to crop up. Bayern Munich didn’t spend a single penny in the summer transfer window, as they focused instead on reducing the size of their squad.
Leon Goretzka arrived from Schalke on a free transfer, while Serge Gnabry returned from a successful loan spell at Hoffenheim. On the other hand Juan Bernat, Sebastian Rudy and Arturo Vidal left the club, making room for these two players.
Bayern Munich were consistently linked with center-backs in the summer. The German club was reportedly ready to sell Jerome Boateng and replace him with a younger central defender. Boateng couldn’t seal his departure to Paris Saint-Germain, though, as the two clubs failed to reach an agreement over a transfer fee.
More from Bayern Strikes
- Bayern Munich: Tactical takeaways from 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich: Kingsley Coman set to be fit for Manchester United clash
- Bayern Munich unlikely to move for Trevoh Chalobah in January
- Bayern Munich: Key lessons from draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich remains keen on hiring Max Eberl
According to a report from Calciomercato.com, Bayern are monitoring Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic. The Serbian defender is regarded as one of the best upcoming young defenders in Europe.
This report also insists that Juventus are showing interest in Serbian defender as well. Fiorentina are likely to demand a large fee next summer if Milenkovic continues delivering impressive performances throughout this season.
There’s little doubt Bayern will try to sign a center-back next summer as Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng are now 29- and 30-years-old respectively. The latter has been struggling with injuries in past three seasons and might once again find himself on the transfer list next summer. Niko Kovac is happy to have him in the squad, but the club will be keeping one eye on the future.
Kevin Vogt was briefly linked with a move to Bayern at the end of last season. The German defender eventually signed a new contract with Hoffenheim, though. Benjamin Pavard was the other defender who was heavily linked with Bayern throughout the summer transfer window. Pavard is now attracting interest from top clubs all across Europe after his impressive performances at the World Cup. The Bavarians have reportedly agreed a transfer with Frankfurt for next summer, but Pavard recently denied coming to an agreement with the German champions.
Bayern Munich already have one promising center-back in Niklas Sule. The German international is expected to cement his place in the starting eleven this season. Lars Lukas Mai is also highly rated at Bayern. The 21-year-old has been consistent for the reserve squad and made a few first team appearances. Mai signed a professional contract with the club over the summer and has the potential to be a first team option in Bavaria within the next few years.
Next. Mats Hummels accepts Niko Kovac’s rotation policy. dark
There are no doubts about the talent of Milenkovic. He was a rare shining light for Serbia at the World Cup. However, he is likely to be a backup option for Bayern if they fail to get Pavard next summer. They are both versatile defenders that can also feature in the right-back position if needed. It is a very important position for Bayern as they would like to set up the spine of the team for the foreseeable future.