Bayern Munich made a late dash in the last summer transfer window to secure five signings in the final week. Marc Roca was one of these players that arrived late in the window and missed the entire first month of competitive football with Die Roten.
The Spaniard was heavily linked with a move to Bavaria in 2019. Reports suggested that Die Roten had agreed personal terms, but Espanyol was not ready to part ways with Roca in a cut-price deal. Eventually, the move didn’t happen, and Rekordmeister had to wait 12 months to sign the Spanish midfielder.
Roca was bound to leave Espanyol in 2020 since the Spanish club had relegated to the second division. His transfer fee came down despite being one of the rare shining light for Espanyol in a disastrous La Liga campaign.
Despite sealing the move to Bavaria last summer, Roca had to endure a difficult debut campaign. The Spanish midfielder hardly got any game time due to intense competition in the squad, but Roca is determined to get things right in the second season. While talking to Sport1, Roca admitted that he is not going anywhere and looking forward to working with Julian Nagelsmann next season.
"“I definitely want to stay at Bayern & establish myself. I only moved last October & I still have big goals at this club. It was clear I needed time in a new country, new city & in this big club. Every day I feel like I have to stay here & fight.”"
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Roca also confirmed that Nagelsmann was interested in signing him at RB Leipzig last summer. The recent reports in Germany have suggested that Marc Roca will have a big role to play under Nagelsmann. The Spaniard will be available for the entire pre-season after opting against going with Spain to Olympics.
Since numerous players will be reporting late for pre-season due to commitments at Euro 2020, Roca will get chances to impress Nagelsmann at the start of the season. The Spaniard will have two fewer competitors in the midfield next season as David Alaba and Javi Martinez have left the club. The two veterans were not primarily midfielders at Die Roten in the past few seasons, but they are options in midfield.
Some players often hit the ground running, while few players need some time to get used to the pace of the new league. Marc Roca belongs to the second category. The Spaniard was one of the best young midfielders in Europe, so it is a matter of time before he shines for Rekordmeister.
Roca has done the right things until now to make sure that he gives himself the best chance to succeed at Bayern. Missing Olympics and improving physical strength will help Roca to get accustomed to the Bundesliga. Moreover, the Spaniard is also improving his German to settle at the club. Considering his efforts, it does look like Roca could have a breakthrough next season.