Bayern Munich: Marco Friedl is set to join Werder Bremen permanently

Bayern Munich defender Marco Friedl is close to completing a permanent transfer to Werder Bremen, where he is currently on loan.

The squad clearout at Bayern Munich is already underway as the club enters into, potentially, its biggest summer transfer window of this decade. Veteran players like Arjen Robben and Rafinha have already confirmed their departures, while the club has practically confirmed an exit for Franck Ribery. Die Roten will also have to address the future of ao handful of the young players that came from the club’s academy.

Marco Friedl is one young player who does not feature in the club’s immediate plans. The Austrian full-back was loaned to Werder Bremen for 18 months in at the beginning of 2018, and that period has nearly reached its conclusion. Speaking to Kicker, Bremen’s Sporting Director Frank Baumann insisted that the club is trying to sign Friedl permanently. He further added that talks with Bayern have been positive.

"“We are working to tie Marco in. He feels the confidence of the coaching team and feels comfortable here.“We are in talks with the Bavarians, and our ideas are not far apart.”"

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Friedl has not been able to get adequate game time at Werder Bremen this season. The left-back has featured in only eight games this season but still has left a good impression amongst the Bremen coaching staff. His prior refusal to cut short his loan spell indicates he is feeling comfortable at Bremen.

Bayern Munich are well stocked in the left-back position right now. David Alaba is the undisputed first-choice player in this position, and he is likely to remain that for the next few years. Die Roten have already confirmed the signing of Lucas Hernandez from Atletico Madrid as well. The Frenchman is primarily a center-back but can provide very good cover on the left side of defense.

These two players are likely to reduce Friedl’s chances of playing at Bayern and add more appearances to his solitary outing with the senior team. It will be a huge surprise if Friedl rejects a permanent move to Bremen despite his lack of minutes this season. Bayern Munich would be wise to insert a buy-back clause in this transfer, though, as Friedl still has the potential to be a very good defender.

Bayern’s academy graduates have failed to get a good amount of game time in the last few seasons. Die Roten need to find a way to provide the right pathway for young players to reach the first team. A co-operation or tie-up with a smaller European club could allow these players to get first team action and help them develop properly. There was a report last season suggesting a co-operation with PSV Eindhoven could be in place, but nothing has materialized yet.