Bayern Strikes
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Bayern Munich: Three young players to shine next season

By Kiran Thakare

MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 17: Kwasi Okyere Wriedt of FC Bayern Muenchen II celebrates after scoring his team`s first goal with team mates during the 3. Liga match between Bayern Muenchen II and Hallescher FC at Stadion an der Gruenwalder Straße on February 17, 2020 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images for DFB)
MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 17: Kwasi Okyere Wriedt of FC Bayern Muenchen II celebrates after scoring his team`s first goal with team mates during the 3. Liga match between Bayern Muenchen II and Hallescher FC at Stadion an der Gruenwalder Straße on February 17, 2020 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images for DFB) /
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NUREMBERG, GERMANY – JANUARY 11: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Johannes Geis of 1.FC Nuernberg, Sarpreet Singh of FC Bayern Muenchen and Lars Lukas Mai of FC Bayern Muenchen battle for the ball during a friendly match between 1. FC Nuernberg and FC Bayern Muenchen at Max-Morlock-Stadion on January 11, 2020, in Nuremberg, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
NUREMBERG, GERMANY – JANUARY 11: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Johannes Geis of 1.FC Nuernberg, Sarpreet Singh of FC Bayern Muenchen and Lars Lukas Mai of FC Bayern Muenchen battle for the ball during a friendly match between 1. FC Nuernberg and FC Bayern Muenchen at Max-Morlock-Stadion on January 11, 2020, in Nuremberg, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

Lukas Mai

Die Roten underwent a defensive rebuild last summer. Mats Hummels left the club to join Borussia Dortmund. Bayern spent a huge amount of money to sign Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez from VfB Stuttgart and Atletico Madrid, respectively.

The defensive overhaul is likely to continue this summer as Jerome Boateng looks certain to leave the club. Javi Martinez is also expected to leave the club as he enters the final year of the contract. The Spaniard has been operating as a center-back in the past few seasons.

Since Hernandez has struggled with injuries and Sule will be returning from a serious knee injury, Bayern may need one addition in central defense. Instead of spending big in the market, Die Roten should focus on giving Lukas Mai more opportunities next season.

Mai made his debut for first-team two years ago, but since then, he has struggled to be a regular member of the squad. The German defender has impressed with the reserves team, but he is right now too good for that level. His consistency at the youth level surely makes a strong case for him to get chances in cup competitions next season.

Bayern extended his contract last summer and did not allow him to go loan, so next season is the right time to move him permanently into the first team. Mai can help Die Roten to focus on other positions in the market and provide solid cover in an important area of the squad.