Bayern Munich set to continue defensive overhaul in summer
Bayern Munich is reportedly looking forward to improving defensive options in the summer transfer window.
The 2019 summer transfer window was an important juncture for Bayern Munich. They had finally decided to start building a team for the future after relying on their veteran players longer than expected. Die Roten started this transition by improving the defensive department of the squad.
The defending Bundesliga champions decided to sign two World Cup winners to start defensive overhaul. Lucas Hernandez arrived in Bavaria from Atletico Madrid for a club-record transfer fee while Benjamin Pavard also took a big step in his career by joining from VfB Stuttgart. Mats Hummels saw the exit door as he rejoined Borussia Dortmund after a successful three-year spell at the club.
With Niklas Sule already at the club, the arrivals of Hernandez and Pavard meant that the central defense had enough quality and depth. The German club is now going to focus on other defensive positions during the summer transfer window.
According to French journalist Manu Lonjon, Rekordmiester is looking to sign two right-backs in the summer transfer window. He also insists that Pavard will move to central defense after playing as a right-back in the majority of games this season.
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Pavard has also recently admitted that he prefers playing in central defense. Meanwhile, it is looking unlikely that the German club will sign Alvaro Odriozola permanently from Real Madrid in summer. The Spanish right-back has failed to get regular playing time under Hansi Flick since joining the club on a six-month loan deal in January.
Joshua Kimmich is set to play in midfield after taking big steps towards becoming an accomplished midfielder this season. Pavard’s ideal position and Kimmich’s rise in midfield make sure that Die Roten needs a solid right-back in the upcoming transfer window. They will have a wide range of options from experienced to young full-backs in summer.
Having said that, signing two right-backs doesn’t look feasible at the moment. Bayern has other important areas to address in the squad. Moreover, Pavard can also occasionally play in this position when Flick plays other defenders in central defense.
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Die Roten had reportedly approached Ajax to sign Sergino Dest in January, but the transfer didn’t materialize. It will be interesting to see whether they go back for him in summer. Signing a right-back is the final step of Rekordmeister’s overhaul in defense, but signing two defenders in one window is looking unlikely.