Bayern Strikes
Fansided

If Bayern Munich are to raid Ajax, who should they target?

By Benjamin Scott

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - FEBRUARY 4: David Neres of Ajax celebrates 2-1 with Hakim Ziyech of Ajax, Lasse Schone of Ajax, Matthijs de Ligt of Ajax, Donny van de Beek of Ajax during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax v NAC Breda at the Johan Cruijff Arena on February 4, 2018 in Amsterdam Netherlands (Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images)
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - FEBRUARY 4: David Neres of Ajax celebrates 2-1 with Hakim Ziyech of Ajax, Lasse Schone of Ajax, Matthijs de Ligt of Ajax, Donny van de Beek of Ajax during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax v NAC Breda at the Johan Cruijff Arena on February 4, 2018 in Amsterdam Netherlands (Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana during the Dutch Toto KNVB Cup Final match between Willem II and Ajax Amsterdam on May 05, 2019 at the Kuip stadium in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana during the Dutch Toto KNVB Cup Final match between Willem II and Ajax Amsterdam on May 05, 2019 at the Kuip stadium in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /

Andre Onana

At the young age of 23, Andre Onana has already made 90 Eredivisie appearances for Ajax. Yet the Cameroon international is just now making his way into the limelight, even if he still finds himself in the shadows of his outfield teammates.

In previous seasons it would have been absurd to see a goalkeeper listed as a potential Bayern Munich transfer. But let’s face it: Manuel Neuer is simply not the number one he used to be. The Bayern and Germany captain has been plagued by injuries in recent years, and there’s no telling how long he has left at the top level.

It’s time Die Roten begin planning for life without the 2014 World Cup winner, and Andre Onana could present an interesting option. No, the Ajax man hasn’t been heavily linked with a move to Bavaria, but perhaps he is someone the club should consider.

Yes, the German champions already have the heir to Neuer’s throne lined up in 19-year-old Christian Fruchtl. But what happens if things don’t work out with him? What if his development makes a sudden halt as happens with so many young players?

These are questions the club must ask itself and answer. Of course, their response could simply be to rely more heavily on Sven Ulreich, or maybe the rumors are true and they plan to move for Schalke’s Alexander Nubel. If so, that’s great. If not, they should turn their eyes to Onana.

The young Cameroonian has all the traits required of a modern goalkeeper, and giving him some time to learn under Neuer could propel him to the next level. He may not be a priority signing for the club, but he’s at least someone Bayern should consider.

That being said, Onana is arguably the least likely move on this list. He’s been heavily linked with a return to Barcelona and would likely be keen to make that move happen. Furthermore, Bayern seem in no hurry to move on from Neuer, and given the myriad other squad issues, bringing in a new goalkeeper is likely low on their list of things to do.

dark. Next. Franck Ribery confirms Bayern Munich departure

Bonus: Erik ten Hag

Any discussion of Bayern Munich and Ajax wouldn’t be complete without at least mentioning Erik ten Hag. The former Bayern second team manager has done wonders in Amsterdam this season and is being deservedly praised for his great work.

IF Bayern Munich part ways with Niko Kovac this summer, ten Hag surely has to be their first choice replacement. His style of play is attractive, he now has a proven record against many of Europe’s top clubs and he’s shown his capability of working with a youthful side.

I’d still argue that Kovac should remain Bayern coach unless something drastic happens between now and the end of the season. However, Erik ten Hag simply has to be the first name on the shortlist of potential managers (that are in any way available) if things don’t work out with the Croatian.