Bayern Munich winger Frank Ribery has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Turkish giants Galatasaray.
Franck Ribery has been the man of the moment for Bayern Munich in the past few weeks. The French winger has rolled back the years, scoring some good goals at key moments. He stepped up against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday to score a brace and helped Bayern clinch an important victory going into the winter break. This was after putting away the winner against RB Leipzig earlier in the week.
The Frenchman joked after the Frankfurt game that he is still expecting a contract renewal at the club, despite Bayern’s current rebuilding phase. Ribery is unlikely to get the contract he wants, however, as the Bavarians are instead focused on bringing in younger talent.
He is unlikely to retire from the game, still, as he still has a lot to offer many clubs across Europe.
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According to reports from Turkey (via Fanatik), Galatasaray are interested in bringing Franck Ribery back to the club in the summer transfer window. The Frenchman spent one season at the Turkish club in 2005. This report suggests that they are planning to hold talks with Ribery’s entourage in the coming days and propose a one-and-a-half year deal starting from January.
The German media, meanwhile, insists Bayern Munich will not entertain a January departure for Ribery. They count on him to still play an important role in the second half of the season.
Ribery, however, can begin talks with clubs around Europe in January as he will become a free agent in the summer. The Frenchman can even sign a pre-contract with a club if he reaches an agreement for his wages.
Arjen Robben has been Ribery’s partner in crime for the past decade, but he has already announced his departure from the club. The veteran duo have been two of the most influential players for Bayern during their stay at the club. They can still be lethal on their day, but injury concerns and age are catching up, and it is the right time for them to part ways with Bayern.
Niko Kovac lamented about Ribery’s age after the win over Frankfurt. The Croatian needs to manage his veteran duo well in the second half of the season, as Bayern are engaged in an interesting title race with Borussia Dortmund. The experience of these two players will be crucial not only in their quest for another Bundesliga title but also in the Champions League tie against Liverpool.