Bayern Munich: Nagelsmann sets up challenge for Niklas Sule
Bayern Munich has a decision to make regarding the future of Niklas Sule in the summer. The German defender has entered the final 12 months of his contract. With Chelsea showing interest in the defender, Sule is likely to hold talks with Bayern and Julian Nagelsmann after the break.
After enjoying success in his first two seasons at the club, Sule looked destined to be part of the club’s long-term future. However, a serious knee ligament injury completely ruined his third season at the club. The injury completely halted the progress of Sule.
Sule found it difficult to get back his position in the first team after recovering from the knee injury. Hansi Flick persisted with the pairing of Jerome Boateng and David Alaba, limiting playing time for Sule during last season.
Apart from limited playing time, few reports were suggesting that Die Roten had doubts over the fitness of Sule. While talking to SportBild (via iMiaSanMia), Nagelsmann has laid down the challenge for Sule to become one of the best defenders in Europe. Nagelsmann also opens up on things Sule needs to work on for getting back to his best.
"“You have to be completely honest with the players. Niki’s contract expires next year, he didn’t really have a fortunate last season. However, he has everything that a world class centre-back should have, we shouldn’t forget that.”“If he’s willing to work on his weaknesss, and now he has a coach who knows him since the U16s, I’m confident he’ll be back to his best. I spoke to him and he knows what he has to do.”"
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Niklas Sule had managed to secure a move to Bavaria in 2017 after remarkable development under Nagelsmann at Hoffenheim. The German defender was able to continue that momentum at Die Roten as he excelled under Jupp Heynckes and Niko Kovac. Heynckes recently admitted that Sule might have to make changes to his lifestyle and fitness regime to rediscover his best form.
The stars are aligning for Sule to kickstart his career under Nagelsmann after two years of agony. Since he knows Nagelsmann well, Sule can seamlessly adapt to the demands of the young German coach in Bavaria. However, Die Roten will have to find a way to stop speculation over his future. The German club cannot allow Sule to leave on free due to his age.
Niklas Sule will be entering the peak years of his career as he turns 26 next season. Rekordmeister has endured huge financial losses due to the pandemic, which has eventually affected their transfer business. They did lose Alaba and Boateng for nothing, so allowing Sule to run down his contract will be a big blow for the club.
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In an ideal scenario, Bayern should try to negotiate a short-term deal with Sule. A two-year extension gives both parties time to assess options next summer. If Sule gets back to his best, then Rekordmeister can reward him another deal. Sule will also be able to part ways more smoothly if things don’t improve. Nevertheless, the situation of Sule is likely to be resolved before the start of the season. The German defender could be in line to start the first game if he stays due to an injury to Lucas Hernandez.