Bayern Munich has signed left-back Omar Richards on a free transfer. The former Reading player will join Die Roten on a four-year contract. Richards will provide support at left-back for the defending Bundesliga champions who have seen three of their veteran players depart at the conclusion of the 2020/21 campaign.
At just 23, Richards will look to continue his development in Germany by joining a squad that has already developed plenty of up-and-coming talent. Here are three things to know about Bayern’s latest signing.
Led the Championship in a tackles
For the first time in his career, Richards led the EFL Championship in tackles. According to Football Reference, the 23-year-old recorded 77 tackles won during the 2020/21 campaign which was the highest number of tackles recorded by any player in England’s second division.
Richards nearly doubled the number of tackles won he recorded in the previous season His ability to win tackles is clearly one of the strongest attributes he brings to Bayern.
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His strong defensive play also led to a career-high number of appearances as he featured in 41 of Reading’s 46 league fixtures. According to his SofaScore player rating, his average rating for the 2020/21 campaign was 6.87 which was the highest average season rating he received during his time with Reading.
WhoScored’s rating provided a similar story with Richards recording a career-best average rating as well. Needless to say, the 2020/21 season was his best season yet and he is in good form entering his time with Bayern.
A player that can go forward
When looking at Richards’ heatmap on SofaScore, it’s clear the left-back has no issues getting forward down the wing. He can operate in both the defensive and attacking zones which helps the depth Bayern has at the position.
Alphonso Davies is a player who certainly can get forward and get involved in the attack at times and Omar Richards has the ability to rotate in to provide another option at left-back.
A former England youth international
Omar Richards made one appearance for England’s U21 team and was on the bench in two other fixtures. The only match he featured in was a friendly against Slovenia in 2019. Although he has yet to be called up to England’s senior team, his time at Bayern will likely be monitored by England since he will now be playing for one of Europe’s top clubs. He could very well get an opportunity to represent The Three Lions in the future if all goes well during his time in the Bundesliga.