The midfield department is set to be a key area for Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window. The Bavarian club has already parted ways with Mickael Cuisance, while Corentin Tolisso is also expected to leave in the summer on a free transfer. If Marc Roca doesn’t get a decent amount of playing time during Ruckrunde, then he might also look for a transfer. In such a scenario, Die Roten will need at least a couple of midfield acquisitions.
The latest update from German media suggests that Rekordmeister will be shopping in the Bundesliga to address the midfield area. According to Christian Falk, Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria has become a concrete transfer target for Rekordmeister. The defending Bundesliga champions are keen on getting his services before other clubs firm up interest in him.
The report from SportBild has been backed by Sky Sports. The German broadcaster has reported that Zakaria has emerged as a potential candidate to replace Tolisso in the squad. The talks with Tolisso for a new deal are complicated, so Zakaria has become a transfer target for Rekordmeister.
Zakaria has been previously linked with Rekordmeister, but the last few weeks have seen Manchester United touted as the potential destination for him. Monchengladbach might be ready to sanction a winter transfer since Zakaria has only six months left on his current deal.
Update #Zakaria: He is a potential candidate to replace Tolisso in summer. The decision-makers agree that he could strengthen the team. Big plus: He's affordable! Moreover his move to #MUFC is very unlikely - confirmed. @SkySportDE 🇨🇭
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 19, 2022
The Swiss midfielder was considered as one of the promising midfield talents in the Bundesliga couple of years ago. A serious knee injury in 2020 has seen a dip in the performances of the 25-year-old midfielder. Despite the current concerns about his form, Zakaria is a low-risk transfer since he will be available on a free transfer.
Moreover, Zakaria can also play in central defense. Since Niklas Sule is also likely to leave Die Roten in the summer transfer window, Zakaria can provide cover in two crucial positions. Julian Nagelsmann admires versatile players, so Zakaria can definitely become an important player under him at Bayern.
Gladbach will be eager to get a fee for Zakaria this month. It will be intriguing to see if Rekordmeister will be ready to pay a nominal fee and bring Zakaria on board for the rest of the season. In case no club comes in with an offer for Zakaria, Die Roten may try to agree terms for a free transfer with him.
Apart from the midfield area, Die Roten is also expected to add a right-back in the summer. There is also constant speculation surrounding Robert Lewandowski, so the next couple of months will give a clear idea about the club’s transfer plans for the attack.