According to Sport1, Bayern Munich are exploring the possibility of signing long-time Werder Bremen striker Max Kruse on a free transfer this summer.
There has been a lot of criticism surrounding the style of play at Bayern Munich under Niko Kovac this season. However, the stats show a different picture in the Bundesliga this season. Die Roten retained the Bundesliga title by scoring 92 goals — four more than they managed last season.
Robert Lewandowski, as usual, has been the main source of goals for the Bavarians. The Polish striker scored fewer goals than in the 2017-18 campaign, but his creativity has been much improved this season. Lewandowski has claimed to be completely settled in Munich after speculation over his future constantly loomed last summer.
The Polish striker is now open to end his career at Bayern. However, the German champions might have to look for a backup striker as Lewandowski is set to turn 31 next season. The Pole needs to be managed perfectly in order to get the best out of him on a consistent basis. Bayern are reportedly looking to address this role in the summer transfer window.
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According to Sport1, Bayern are weighing up a move for Max Kruse. The German striker will be a free agent next month as he decided against extending his stay at Werder Bremen. Die Roten see him as a potential candidate to fill in for Lewandowski at times next season. Sport1‘s report insists that the Bundesliga champions will face competition from Liverpool, among other clubs, for Kruse’s signature.
Kruse enjoyed a fine season with Werder Bremen. The German was the club’s top scorer in the Bundesliga with 11 goals. He was also the most creative player in the team, racking up nine assists in the league. He is not exactly a top striker, but he can play the role of a squad player to perfection at a club like Bayern Munich.
The Bavarians filled this position last year by signing Sandro Wagner from Hoffenheim. However, the German international lasted only 12 months and left to join Tianjin Teda earlier this year. Wagner struggled to get game timre under Niko Kovac, so Kruse will also have to compromise playing time if he decides to join the Bundesliga champions.
Bayern should look for a more flexible forward instead of going for a traditional number nine. Timo Werner would be a more suitable transfer to execute this role. He plays in the number nine role for RB Leipzig but has the qualities to do well on the flank. Bayern will be able to give him adequate minutes despite him technically being a backup to Lewandowski. Kruse might help in achieving short team objectives, but a player like Werner would be a solution to both short term and long term problems.