Bayern Munich close to completing a deal for Omar Richards
Bayern Munich wants to keep the domestic and European dominance after creating history last week by becoming the second club in Europe to win sextuple. In the space of few days after winning the FIFA Club World Cup, Die Roten has completed one summer transfer and close to completing the deal for the second player.
According to Kicker, Bayern has agreed terms with Reading FC left-back Omar Richards for a move at the end of the season. The 22-year-old left-back will be moving to Bavaria on a free transfer as his contract with Reading ends in July.
The information from Kicker has also been confirmed by SportBild. Christian Falk also insisted that the club remains interested in Norwich City’s Max Aarons and midfield targets for summer involve Eduardo Camavinga, Florian Neuhaus, and Lucien Agoume.
The British media had reported about Die Roten’s interest in Richards during the winter transfer window. The young full-back was free to negotiate with clubs during January due to his contract situation at Reading. Richards was reportedly attracting interest from multiple Premier League clubs.
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Richards will be going straight into the first team. He will be providing cover for Alphonso Davies as Lucas Hernandez is likely to move in the central defense. The French defender will replace David Alaba in the heart of defense as Hansi Flick prefers a left-footer in the defense along with a right-footer.
It is a shrewd signing for Bayern. If Richards manages to deliver straightaway for Die Roten, then he will help in providing strong competition for Davies. The Canadian winger could thrive with competition from Richards and take his game to the next level. Moreover, Richards will have good resale value as Premier League clubs could show interest in him in the future if he has a good time in Bavaria.
The arrival of Richards will mean that there will be at least two players competing for every position in the back four. Healthy competition will eventually make the team better, and there will be no air of complacency amongst players, keeping them hungry for more success.
On Saturday, Bayern also officially confirmed the signing of Dayot Upamecano from RB Leipzig. The young French defender has been attracting interest from numerous top clubs in Europe. Die Roten eventually managed to beat the competition for him and agreed personal terms with him this week. The German Champions will be activating his release clause worth €42.5 million at the end of this season. The arrival of Richards and Upamecano will complete the overhaul of Bayern’s defense that started in 2019.