Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick reveals transfer wish for January
Hansi Flick reveals the position in which he would like Bayern Munich to make a signing during the winter transfer window.
Bayern Munich have some pressing issues that can be addressed by signing players. It remains to be seen whether the club will wait till summer to improve their squad or else look for options this month to make them even more competitive.
The holding midfield position was one of the key problems for Bayern at the start of the season. Die Roten were heavily linked with Espanyol’s Marc Roca in summer, but the transfer never materialized. They ended up signing a midfielder in Mickael Cuisance, but that he was more a replacement of Renato Sanches than a number six.
Joshua Kimmich started the season in the holding midfield role as there were many options in defense. Benjamin Pavard replaced Kimmich in back four. The move to midfield has worked wonders for Kimmich and Bayern as he looks much more settled in this position. His attributes are best utilised in this role rather than the right-back position.
Hansi Flick also wants Kimmich to continue in this position. This will be possible if Die Roten signs a right-back to allow Kimmich to play in midfield and Pavard in central defense. In an interview with Kicker, Flick praised Kimmich and admitted that the club needs to sign a new right-back.
"“Kimmich already plays this position and will continue to do so in the national team. For the central defensive midfield he has even more potential, because he is even more focused, he can read the game well and has good options with the ball and against the ball.”“Benjamin Pavard does well in every position but especially well at center back. So, an additional option at right-back would be helpful”"
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Kimmich has previously insisted that he likes to play in central midfield. After getting an extended run in the number six role, he admitted that playing here on a long term basis is his goal. His performances improve, and Bayern looks more solid when he is deployed in the holding midfield role.
Bayern has endured an injury crisis in central defense this season. Niklas Sule has been ruled out of action till June, while Lucas Hernandez has been out for the past two months. This has forced Bayern to play Pavard in the right-back position instead of central defense. A new right-back will help Bayern to solve the issue and play all players in their natural position. The options will be well rounded once all defenders are fit next season.
Die Roten can permanently move Kimmich to midfield by converting Pavard into a right-back on a full-time basis. They will have to look for one more center-back in the market to take Pavard’s place in central defense. In either case, Bayern will need a new addition in the defensive department to make Kimmich’s positional switch permanent.
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Bayern has been linked with Joao Cancelo and Benjamin Henrichs till now for the right-back position. In central defense, Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Nunez is reportedly a transfer target for Die Roten. Kimmich needs to play in midfield, but it will be interesting to see which player Bayern sign to facilitate his positional change.