Bayern Munich have reportedly initiated talks with French side Bordeaux to sign 18-year-old midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
A club being active in the January transfer window is usually a bad sign about the club’s hierarchy failing to plan properly. Generally clubs that are active in the winter window are seeking to salvage a crumbling season. However, the scenario is a bit different for Bayern Munich.
The Bavarians are in a state of transition, as a handful of their veteran players, such as Arjen Robben, are set to leave the club in the summer. Die Roten have turned their attention to many of Europe’s young talents to replace their departing players, and they could be hoping to secure some signings in January to avoid a bidding war in the summer.
Earlier this week Bayern Munich were linked with another young starlet from France. According to Sky Sports (via GGFN), Bayern have initiated talks with Girondins de Bordeaux in order to sign midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. The French club has no plans to sell the 18-year-old midfielder in January, but a huge offer from Bayern might check their resolve.
According to our information @FCBayern is interested in Girondins de Bordeaux's central midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni (18) @SPORTBILD
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) January 2, 2019
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Tchouameni can play in various positions across the midfield. He has primarily been deployed in defensive midfield and central midfield throughout his career, though. The 18-year-old is highly rated in France and has already featured for the national team at youth level. Tchouameni has broken into Bordeaux’s first team this season and has been heavily involved in the club’s Europa League campaign.
Bayern Munich, meanwhile, are reportedly ready to listen to offers for Javi Martinez in the summer. The Spanish midfielder is on a decline right now, and the club is reportedly looking for a new holding midfielder. Frenkie De Jong has been linked with a move to Munich, but Bayern are unlikely to win the race for the Dutch midfielder. Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are the favorites to land the young Dutchman’s signature.
Tchouameni might not be the best direct substitute for Martinez, but Bayern can nurture the Frenchman to eventually play this role in the first team. He will have a lot of competition for a place in midfield, still, despite Martinez’s departure. The best way for him to develop as a player is to remain in Bordeaux.
Die Roten should try to structure a deal for Tchouameni in such a way that he spends one year on loan at Bordeaux. This will speed his development, while still ensuring Bayern get their man. If the Bavarians are truly interested, it shows their focus on securing young players for the future rather than simply pouring out the cash for star players to secure their short-term goals.