Amongst top clubs in Europe, Bayern Munich is often known for doing astute business in the transfer market. The German club is not backed by a rich businessman or state, so they adopt a much more efficient approach to remain a challenge for trophies at the top level.
The transfers at Rekordmeister have been carried out by Hasan Salihamidzic in the past few seasons. It has not been smooth sailing for the former Bayern midfielder in this role, but he has largely been successful with most of the big transfers.
Salihamidzic’s positive stint as Sporting Director also led to his promotion to the board. According to SportBild (via iMiaSanMia), Salihamidzic is now in line for a new contract at Bayern. The club hierarchy has been pleased with the work done by Salihamidzic despite a few failed moves for younger players.
The former Bayern midfielder has managed to successfully see out a big overhaul in a systematic manner. The record Bundesliga champions had to decrease the average age of the squad in 2019. Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery left the club after enjoying a decade of success. The attacking duo has been replaced well by the signing of Leroy Sane and the integration of young Jamal Musiala.
Salihamidzic has also successfully decreased the average age of the defensive department of the squad. Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard have been successful transfers for the club. Both French internationals have played a key role in the success over the past couple of seasons.
The signing of Dayot Upamecano during the last summer transfer window further improved defensive options in the squad. Salihamidzic also moved quickly to sign the promising Tanguy Nianzou on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. Nianzou has struggled with injuries in his debut season, but he has the potential to have a successful career in Bavaria. The successful integration of Alphonso Davies in the senior squad is another fruitful transfer under the helm of Salihamidzic.
Along with multiple successful signings, Salihamidzic has also made a few mistakes in the transfer market. Mickael Cuisance and Bouna Sarr have struggled to impose themselves at Die Roten. Cuisance has already left the club, while Sarr is also in line to leave Rekordmeister in the next summer transfer window.
Overall, it has been a positive spell for Hasan Salihamidzic in the role of sporting director at Bayern. There is still considerable scope of improvement for Brazzo, but it is a job well done until now. The upcoming summer transfer window is crucial since the midfield department needs bolstering, so sorting the future of Salihamidzic before the end of the season makes sense.