Bayern Strikes
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Four center-back options for Bayern Munich in summer

By Kiran Thakare

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Jerome Boateng of FC Bayern Muenchen controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Chelsea FC and FC Bayern Muenchen at Stamford Bridge on February 25, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Jerome Boateng of FC Bayern Muenchen controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Chelsea FC and FC Bayern Muenchen at Stamford Bridge on February 25, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) /
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MUNICH, GERMANY – DECEMBER 22: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Lars Lukas Mai of FC Bayern Muenchen II controls the ball during the 3. Liga match between Bayern Muenchen II and FC Wuerzburger Kickers at Stadion an der Gruenwalder Straße on December 22, 2019, in Munich, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY – DECEMBER 22: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Lars Lukas Mai of FC Bayern Muenchen II controls the ball during the 3. Liga match between Bayern Muenchen II and FC Wuerzburger Kickers at Stadion an der Gruenwalder Straße on December 22, 2019, in Munich, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

Lukas Mai

The final option to replace Boateng is already at Bayern. Lukas Mai can fill the void left by the veteran German defender. Mai is yet to feature under Hansi Flick, but the defending Bundesliga champions rate him very highly.

Mai delivered solid performances for the first team when he was given a debut by Jupp Heynckes, two years ago. Since then, it has been a difficult time for the young defender as he struggled to get playing time under Niko Kovac.

Bayern decided against sending Mai out on loan last summer and handed him a new contract. This further showed that Die Roten is considering Mai as part of their long-term plans. The young German defender is delivering consistent performances at the youth level, so he surely deserves an opportunity in the first team.

Next. Five Bayern Munich players improved under Hansi Flick. dark

Rekordmeister has struggled to integrate youth graduates in the first team during the last few seasons. After the success of Joshua Zirkzee, Flick and Bayern need to have a look at Mai as this summer will be crucial for the young defender. He has outgrown the youth level, so it is time to play at the top level. Boateng’s departure will provide an ideal opportunity for Mai to slowly become part of the first team.