In the past few transfer windows, Bayern Munich has enjoyed a decent record in terms of signing new players. The Bavarian club has not exactly focussed on getting star players, but younger ones that can help them to enjoy long-term success. Some have worked, while some haven’t until now.
Along with the club’s sporting director-Hasan Salihamidzic, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has also played a big role in Bayern’s transfers during the past three seasons. Rummenigge enjoyed a great career in the administerial role at Bavaria during the last couple of decades.
Going forward, Rummenigge will not have a big say in transfers at Die Roten. The former German forward stepped down from his role last year. Oliver Kahn has replaced Rummenigge at the board level, but Rummenigge’s advice is always likely to be considered by the club’s hierarchy.
After stepping down from his role, Rummenigge has been speaking much more to the media and expressing his opinion on a wide range of issues regarding football. While talking to Tuttosport (via Sempreinter) this week, Rummenigge insisted that he would have pursued the signing of Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan if he was a club’s director.
"“I’d try to sign Inter’s Lautaro Martinez If I were still a Club Director.”“Lautaro Martinez. He is very good, but since I still have a bit of Inter in my heart I have always tried not to buy Nerazzurri players.”"
Getting Martinez from Inter Milan will be very difficult since he recently signed a contract extension until 2026. The Argentine has been one of the best forwards in Serie A during the last couple of seasons, and he played a big role in the club’s title win last season. Martinez had 19 goals and 11 assists to his name during Serie A winning campaign. Under Simone Inzaghi this season, the Argentine has managed eight goals and two assists. (Stats courtesy: Transfermarkt)
Does Martinez slot at Bayern Munich?
Going by his comments in this interview, it is pretty clear that Rummenigge would like Bayern to pursue the signing of Martinez in the future. In the long run, Martinez can surely slot in the starting XI at Rekordmeister and become a big success.
Martinez will not ideally be Robert Lewandowski’s long-term replacement since he can not operate as lone number nine. The Argentine can be a long-term replacement for Thomas Muller. He enjoyed a lot of success last season when he was paired up with Romelu Lukaku. Martinez is enjoying similar success with Edin Dzeko after Lukaku left for Chelsea in the summer.
Muller has shown no signs of decline in the past three seasons. However, Rekordmeister has been proactive in terms of finding replacements for senior players in the past few seasons. It will be intriguing to see if they listen to Rummenigge’s advice and try to sign Martinez in the future.