Bayern Munich has been very proactive in terms of finding replacements for veteran players. They managed to find good replacements for Robbery, Jerome Boateng, and Mats Hummels in the last three summer transfer windows. However, the biggest challenge for the German club lies ahead when they search for a successor for Robert Lewandowski.
According to FussballTransfers, Bayern has been keeping tabs on Benfica’s Darwin Nunez. This report insists that Die Roten and Bayer Leverkusen had enquired about the 22-year-old forward in summer. Reports in England had suggested that Brighton had also shown interest in the Uruguayan striker.
There is nothing imminent mentioned about Rekordmeister’s interest in Darwin, but it is more than likely that the German club has started assessing options for the number nine role. Earlier in summer, Hasan Salihamidzic had also confirmed that Die Roten will be in the mix for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian striker is the perfect long-term replacement for Lewandowski. However, Haaland will be wanted by multiple clubs across Europe, and his wage demands will smash the wage structure at the club. Even though Haaland’s release clause will be feasible for Die Roten, his wage demands might scupper a move to Bavaria.
More from Bayern Strikes
- Bayern Munich: Tactical takeaways from 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich: Kingsley Coman set to be fit for Manchester United clash
- Bayern Munich unlikely to move for Trevoh Chalobah in January
- Bayern Munich: Key lessons from draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich remains keen on hiring Max Eberl
In such a likely scenario, Die Roten will have to monitor other young strikers in Europe that can be nurtured in the long-term successor of Lewandowski. Darwin ticks all boxes for Die Roten. He has managed to score 14 goals in 39 appearances for Benfica last season. It is not the most impressive output, but the young forward has the qualities to be a successful number nine. The Uruguayan striker will have the chance to impress Die Roten during the upcoming two Champions League group games against Benfica.
Lewandowski is showing no signs of slowing down despite turning 33 last month. There is speculation surrounding his future in Bavaria. He reportedly wants to experience a new challenge in his career. However, if he ends up signing another deal, then Rekordmeister should just look for a young forward that can play second fiddle for two seasons.
The Polish striker has started the new campaign in the best possible manner by scoring seven goals across all competitions in August. He is well on course to have another season where he scores more than 40 goals across all competitions.
Lewandowski has been the best striker in the world for the past couple of seasons, but the bitter reality is that Die Roten will have to find his successor soon. A proactive approach will help the club to replace him adequately in the long run for Die Roten.