Reading provides an update on defender that has been linked with Bayern Munich.
Bayern Munich is not going to be active in the winter transfer window. After the defeat against Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday, Hasan Salihamidzic confirmed that there would be no incomings this season, and the squad is well equipped to challenge on all fronts.
Despite the lack of transfer activity in January, Die Roten has started working on signings for summer. The German champions want to bolster the defense as there could be multiple departures in summer as David Alaba is reportedly already negotiating with Real Madrid.
According to multiple reports in England, Die Roten is looking to bring Omar Richards from Reading next summer. The 22-year-old full-back is entering the final six months of the deal, so he is free to negotiate with interested clubs and sign a pre-contract this month.
After Richards has been heavily linked with a move to Bavaria, Reading manager Veljko Paunovic gives an update on the situation. Paunovic told media this week (via Berkshire Live) that the club is working hard to secure the future of Richards. He also insisted that Richards is focusing on the current campaign.
"“I did have conversations with him and I gave him [Richards] my complete support that we would like to have him here. He has told me he is on the same page as the team and wants to deliver his best.“He is having a great year and we want to keep him healthy, on the field, and help him continue playing his best football so far. If we have to lose him – and I’m not giving up on that – I would be disappointed.”"
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Die Roten has been looking at young English talent in the last couple of years, so it is not a surprise seeing them explore a deal for Richards. They tried to sign Callum Hudson-Odoi from Chelsea on numerous occasions, while the acquisition of Jamal Musiala from Chelsea in 2019 is turning out to be an outstanding piece of business. They have also completed multiple young talents from the United Kingdoms for youth teams in the last couple of transfer windows.
Richards is likely to come in as a back-up option for Alphonso Davies. The 22-year-old full-back has been getting plaudits for his performances with Reading in the last couple of seasons. His arrival will allow Lucas Hernandez to replace departing Alaba in the heart of defense next season.
It is a low-risk high rewards type signing for Die Roten. Incase, Richards fails to emulate his good form in the Bundesliga, then Bayern can still end up with profit with his transfer. In the current climate, Bayern will have to come up with such smart signings to make sure that they are financially stable.
Along with bolstering defense, midfield could also be one of the areas to improve for Die Roten next season. Javi Martinez looks set to be a free agent in summer, while the club could also think about cashing in for Corentin Tolisso to raise funds for other transfers.