Bayern Munich: Tanguy Kouassi will not go out on loan in January

The upcoming January transfer window will not be busy for Bayern Munich in terms of incomings. The long-term transfer targets are unlikely to be available during the mid-season transfer window. However, there could be a lot of movement at the club in terms of departures.

One player that is likely to stay beyond the winter window despite less playing time this season is Tanguy Kouassi. According to Spox’s Kerry Hau, Kouassi is not focussing on a loan move in January as he is ready to remain patient for his opportunities.

Kouassi struggled with injury issues during his debut season last year. The French defender overcame these problems and managed to get playing time during pre-season friendlies. However, the form of Lucas Hernandez, Niklas Sule, and Dayot Upamecano has meant very less competitive game time for Kouassi.

The 19-year-old defender was considered as one of the brightest defensive prospects when he made his breakthrough at Paris Saint-Germain. The Bavarian Champions did well to beat competition from other clubs and snap him on a free transfer last summer. PSG was reportedly furious after Hasan Salihamidzic managed to broker a deal to bring Kouassi to Die Roten.

Things have not gone as planned for Kouassi, but he has a big future ahead of him. He currently serves as the fourth center-back option. The teenager can also fill in the center of midfield in case there is an injury crisis. It is not an ideal situation for Kouassi, but training with world-class players this season will definitely help to grow.

The next summer window could see Sule leaving Bavaria on a free transfer. The German defender is free to talk to other clubs in January as he enters the final six months of his current deal. Kouassi can become a natural successor of Sule if Die Roten doesn’t buy a new defender to replace him.

However, there have been persistent links with Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger. If the 29-year-old defender arrives in Bavaria from Chelsea, then Kouassi can explore a loan move next summer to get consistent playing time.

For now, it is understandable from the club’s perspective to keep him for the entire season. He will eventually get opportunities here and there this season, but training with senior players and getting the fitness rhythm back will also do him a world of good after a horrid time with injuries last year. Eventually, regular playing time will get his development on track, so a decision on his immediate future should be a priority next summer.