Bayern Munich win the race for young French defender
Bayern Munich has reportedly shrugged off competition for young defender.
Defense was the area to address for Bayern Munich in the last transfer window as they wanted to add young players in this position. Despite signing Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard last summer, the club looks to have secured another center-back signing.
According to RMC, Die Roten has won the race to sign Tanguy Kouassi in summer on free transfer. The French defender’s contract at Paris-Saint Germain is set to expire at the end of this month. The report from RMC has been confirmed by Bild and Sky Sport Italia’s Fabrizio Romano.
The French media outlet insists that Kouassi is set to sign a five year deal with Die Roten in the coming days. PSG were reportedly desperate to tie down the young defender for a long contract, but talks broke down between both parties last week, and he decided to leave the club. Rennes were heavily linked with a move for Kouassi, but Die Roten seems to have trumped them for his signature.
Kouassi has been a regular for youth teams at PSG in the past few seasons. He got his breakthrough in the first team this season, making six appearances in Ligue 1. The teenager scored two goals during these appearances. Apart from central defense, Kouassi can also play as a defensive midfielder.
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Considering PSG’s eagerness to tie him down for a new contract, he was surely going to get regular playing time in first-team next year. It will be interesting to see whether Die Roten has promised him a position in the first team next year. From the player’s perspective, he will be hoping to get chances in first-team rather than play for the reserves team.
Kouassi’s arrival may affect the future of Jerome Boateng in the central defense. The German defender is the most vulnerable in the squad due to his age. He has enjoyed a resurgence under Hansi Flick, but the club is unlikely to extend his contract, which is set to expire at the end of next season.
Another possible theory behind the signing of Kouassi could be that Die Roten may be open to listening to offers for Hernandez. The French defender was linked with PSG on Monday, and he is also open to leaving Germany. Hernandez’s departure may help Bayern to get more funds for summer, which can help them to complete transfers of Kai Havertz and Leroy Sane.
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Kouassi’s arrival in the first team may also hint at Benjamin Pavard permanently moving into the right-back position. Pavard did admit that he prefers playing in central defense, but his consistent performances in the right-back position cannot be ignored. IKouassi’s signing is a big coup for Die Roten, but there are many questions to be answered regarding the effect of this transfer in the first team.