Bayern Munich striker Sandro Wagner has sealed his move to Chinese Super League side Tianjin Teda.
The final two days of the transfer window are usually pretty chaotic as clubs work hard to get their last few deals over the line. Bayern Munich are unlikely to sign anyone in the coming days after Chelsea blocked a move for Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Die Roten weren’t initially looking to sell anyone over the winter break, but that changed over the last few days when reports emerged linking Sandro Wagner with a move to the Chinese Super League.
Bayern Munich have now officially announced the German striker will join Tianjin Teda. Wagner has already been officially presented as a new player of the Chinese side. According to Sky Germany, Wagner’s transfer fee was around €5 million, and he will be getting a massive wage increase at his new club.
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Wagner joined Bayern Munich from Hoffenheim in the last winter transfer window for a reported fee of €13 million. The German striker returned to his boyhood club to help manage Robert Lewandowski’s workload as the club chased their sixth consecutive Bundesliga title. He went on to make 18 appearances across all competitions under Jupp Heynckes, finding the back of the net nine times.
The former Hoffenheim striker fell out of favor at Bayern this season. Niko Kovac has preferred to start Robert Lewandowski in almost every game, leaving Wagner only two starts this season and a few appearances from the bench. The former Germany international admitted that he has been disappointed with his game time but ruled out a transfer in January. However, the prospects of a huge wage increase and more playing time have made Wagner reconsider.
Bayern Munich are losing money in this deal, but there is little doubt this is the right decision for both the club and player. The Bavarians are not expected to sign a replacement in this transfer window. Both Thomas Muller and Serge Gnabry can fill in at striker whenever Lewandowski needs a rest. Joshua Zirkhzee is also a viable option for this position if the Bavarians are in need of yet another alternative.
The German club will likely sign Wagner’s replacement in summer. Bayern have reportedly shown concrete interest in RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner, who seems the most likely candidate to come in the summer. The Germany international is primarily a number nine, but he can also play in wider positions. He would share the burden of scoring goals with Lewandowski, while also filling in on the wings from time to time, before taking over from the Pole after a few seasons.