Bayern Strikes
Fansided

Hertha Berlin defender Niklas Stark is on Bayern Munich’s radar

By Kiran Thakare

23 February 2019, Bavaria, München: Soccer: Bundesliga, Bayern Munich - Hertha BSC, 23rd matchday in the Allianz Arena. Niklas Stark from Hertha plays the ball. Photo: Matthias Balk/dpa - IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the requirements of the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga or the DFB Deutscher Fußball-Bund, it is prohibited to use or have used photographs taken in the stadium and/or the match in the form of sequence images and/or video-like photo sequences. (Photo by Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images)
23 February 2019, Bavaria, München: Soccer: Bundesliga, Bayern Munich - Hertha BSC, 23rd matchday in the Allianz Arena. Niklas Stark from Hertha plays the ball. Photo: Matthias Balk/dpa - IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the requirements of the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga or the DFB Deutscher Fußball-Bund, it is prohibited to use or have used photographs taken in the stadium and/or the match in the form of sequence images and/or video-like photo sequences. (Photo by Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Bayern Munich have reportedly added Hertha Berlin’s Niklas Stark to their list of potential alternatives to Atletico Madrid’s Lucas Hernandez.

Uli Hoeness recently claimed that Bayern Munich will be making a big splash in the upcoming transfer market, stating his club already has a few plans in the works to build on to their already talented squad.

Die Roten will be entering a new era, as veteran players like Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery are set to leave the club, while young faces like Joshua Kimmich and Kingsley Coman are emerging as main components of the squad.

The Bavarians are likely to make at least one addition in all areas of the pitch, apart from the goalkeepers, in the summer. Defense, specifically central defense, will likely be one area of focus for the German giants. They have already acquired the services of Benjamin Pavard for next season, but they will still try to add one more center-back to the squad.

More from Bayern Strikes

Lucas Hernandez is Bayern’s primary target for the position. Hasan Salihamidzic tried to secure the French defender in January, but Atletico Madrid did not want to sell the player and Bayern didn’t want to risk damaging their relationship with the Atleti by buying out the player’s release clause.

Unless the Madrid side are willing to sell Hernandez for less in the summer, the Bavarians will have to pay €80 million for his services. The fee is quite high, especially for a defender, but Uli Hoeness confirmed his club would be willing to pay such an amount if necessary. Regardless, the German champions will surely be keeping their eyes on other, more affordable options.

According to Sport1, Niklas Stark is one such player to whom Bayern may turn if their attempts to sign Hernandez prove futile. Stark is considered to be one of the best young center-backs in the Bundesliga, and he showed that this past weekend by stifling Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski. Hertha will be able to demand a decent fee for the 23-year-old defender should Bayern come calling, as his contract expires in 2022.

Stark has been a mainstay in Hertha’s starting lineup this season. The German defender is a no-nonsense defender who sniffs out danger quickly and clears the ball on most occasions. His passing is not the best, but that can be fixed when he starts playing for a team like Bayern. Stark has played for Germany at youth level, but he is yet to receive a call-up for the senior team.

Next. Rafinha bemoans lack of minutes under Niko Kovac. dark

Bayern have been linked with numerous central defenders in the past few months. Dayot Upamecano and Mario Hermoso are a few other names considered as alternatives for Lucas Hernandez. Bayern currently needs a top level center-back to solidify their backline. Stark is no doubt talented, but he is not exactly at the same level as some other options Die Roten are supposedly considering.

Home/Transfer Rumors