Bayern Munich: Bouna Sarr hopes to build on successful AFCON
Bayern Munich always has players that have won honours with their national team. The current squad has World Cup winners from the French and German squads of 2018 and 2014, respectively. The latest addition to the list of Bayern Munich players that have won a trophy with the national team is Bouna Sarr.
Sarr was part of the Senegalese team that managed to beat Egypt on penalties in the AFCON final earlier this month. It is a historic achievement for Senegal as it was their maiden AFCON title. The AFCON 2022 was also Sarr’s first big tournament with Senegal after he decided to represent them instead of France in 2021.
The former Marseille full-back missed his penalty during the shoot-out against Egypt, but he had a very solid tournament with Senegal. Bouna Sarr started all games for Senegal in the tournament and performed well across different positions. His success with Senegal was celebrated by Die Roten when he returned to Sabner Strasse from the tournament.
Sarr has struggled for playing time under Julian Nagelsmann this season. He is currently the third choice right-back in the senior team. However, the Senegalese defender has not given up on succeeding in Bavaria. While talking to TZ, Sarr admitted that regular playing time at AFCON can certainly help him in getting more chances with Rekordmeister.
"“My goals haven’t changed. I want to get as much game time as possible – be it as a substitute or from the start. I hope that I was able to prove and show at the AFCON that I have the ability to play for Bayern too.”"
Despite Sarr’s optimism, it will take a big injury crisis in the right-back position for him to get consistent playing time in the next three months. The Bavarian club has reportedly outlined right-back as an area to improve in the summer, so there will be more competition for Sarr next season if he decides to stay put.
Bayern was ready to sanction a transfer for Bouna Sarr last summer, but a transfer never materialised. Despite playing very less during Hinrunde, Sarr had ruled out a move away from Bavaria in January. The Senegalese defender was eager to focus on AFCON and assess his future at the end of the season.
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Die Roten will be hoping that Sarr’s solid performances at AFCON will get them a good fee in the summer window. The Bavarian club definitely needs a top-class attacking right-back since Benjamin Pavard is a slightly conservative full-back. Moreover, the Frenchman’s long-term future is likely to be in the heart of the defense.
Josip Stanisic has delivered resilient performances in the right-back position this season. However, his appearances have been limited due to injury. The youngster will surely be part of the squad for the next season, but he is likely to provide cover in this position after the arrival of a new right-back. Hopefully, Sarr finds the right club in the summer as he deserves more consistent playing time at this stage of his career.