The recent reports in Germany suggest that Bayern Munich could be in the market for another center-back next summer. The German Champions have reportedly touched base with Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger. The arrival of a new defender could hinge on the future of Niklas Sule in Bavaria.
Sule is currently in the final year of his contract at Bayern. The club has reportedly delayed talks with the German defender. Sule has started the new season strongly, so the German Champions could eventually hand him a new deal. However, if Die Roten decides against renewing his contract, he might finally land a move to Premier League.
The recent report from Der Speigel (via SportBild) reveals Sule looking to engineer a move to Premier League in 2018 and 2019. The German media outlet has released conversations between Sule and his agent about exploring transfer to big clubs from the Premier League. Going by this report and links with Chelsea last summer, Sule might finally get his wish fulfilled next summer.
Apart from Chelsea, few reports in Germany have also reported that Manchester United had also shown interest in the German international. Since he will be potentially available on a free transfer, most of the top English clubs will likely show interest in him.
It is surprising to see that Sule explored a move to Premier League in 2018. The German international had enjoyed a good debut season in Bavaria after arriving from Hoffenheim in 2017. With Jerome Boateng struggling for form in 2018, Sule got a lot of playing time in his second season at the club.
Sule was also looking to become the leader at the back after Mats Hummels left the club to rejoin Borussia Dortmund in 2019. However, Sule’s season came to an abrupt halt in October as he suffered a serious knee injury. Since this knee injury, Sule has fallen down in the pecking order at Die Roten.
Courtesy of injuries to other central defenders, Sule got the opportunity to start the initial few games of the season. He did grab these chances with both hands by forming a solid partnership with Upamecano. Nagelsmann previously worked with Sule at Hoffenheim, so it is not surprising to see Sule getting back to his best under him.
In an ideal world, Bayern keeps hold of a German defender who is entering the prime of his career. However, Sule needs to show consistency in the coming months to sign a new deal by the end of the year. If a new contract doesn’t materialize, Sule might finally get his wish to seal a transfer to Premier League.