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Bayern Munich: Niko Kovac still wants Ante Rebic for his mentality

By Benjamin Scott

Frankfurt's head coach Niko Kovac (R) gives instructions to Ante Rebic during the German Bundesliga match between Eintrach Frankfurt and VfB Stuttgart in Frankfurt, Germany, 30 September 2017.(EMBARGO CONDITIONS - ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidelines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.) Photo: Hasan Bratic/dpa (Photo by Hasan Bratic/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Frankfurt's head coach Niko Kovac (R) gives instructions to Ante Rebic during the German Bundesliga match between Eintrach Frankfurt and VfB Stuttgart in Frankfurt, Germany, 30 September 2017.(EMBARGO CONDITIONS - ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidelines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.) Photo: Hasan Bratic/dpa (Photo by Hasan Bratic/picture alliance via Getty Images) /
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Recent rumors indicate Niko Kovac is still keen on bringing his former player Ante Rebic from Eintracht Frankfurt to Bayern Munich this summer.

The 2018-19 season is drawing to a close, meaning the summer transfer window is right around the corner. Bayern Munich have already begun making their squad additions for the upcoming season, and it’s likely they secure a few more deals before the window even opens.

With the signings of French defenders Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez already settled, the Bavarians will now turn their attention to strengthening their attack. There have been several candidates linked with a move to Munich to help the German giants move on from the Robbery era that has defined the club for a decade.

One name that was heavily linked with a Bayern move last summer has once again popped up on the club’s radar. According to Sky, Niko Kovac is still hopeful of reuniting with his former Eintracht Frankfurt player, Ante Rebic.

Kovac is a big fan of his fellow countryman’s mentality; he’s a tough man to play against. However, the Bayern executives have some reservations about the 25-year-old, so the club has not yet made a move for the player.

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Rebic may not be the most technically gifted player, but he is far from inept on the pitch. His speed is vastly underrated (he’s recorded the second-fastest sprint in the Bundesliga this season at 21.81 mph). He’s a natural goal-scorer, and he is also pretty creative. But above all else, Ante Rebic is an incredibly hard-working player.

Much like former Bayern stars Mario Mandzukic and Arturo Vidal, Rebic has the never-say-die attitude that is sorely lacking from many players at the top level. That is what sets him apart in the eyes of Niko Kovac. He wants a player who is willing to give everything for his club and leave everything on the pitch. For him, Rebic is that guy. What he lacks in pure talent, he makes up for in raw determination and heart.

He may not be the most high-profile signing, but Ante Rebic represents a move that would make a lot of sense for Bayern.

The 25-year-old is a highly versatile forward, capable of playing on the wings, as a striker and just behind the center-forward. He’d provide an excellent rotation option for multiple positions. Furthermore, the Croatian wouldn’t demand an outrageous fee, meaning Die Roten would still have the funds to spend on more talent for the wing — such as Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi or Ajax’s Hakim Ziyech.

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Sky‘s report also comments on a few of Bayern’s other options for a summer swap. They claim the club is still scouting Nicolas Pepe but haven’t officially approached the player who is being heavily monitored by Spanish and Italian clubs. They further add that the Bavarians remain intensely interested in both Callum Hudson-Odoi and Timo Werner.

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