Bayern Munich: Salihamidzic excited about Noussair Mazraoui transfer
The first summer transfer is close to confirmation for Bayern Munich. After missing out on first-choice targets for the right-back position in the past couple of years, Die Roten has finally managed to find a quality player to fill this role. Ajax’s Noussair Mazraoui is set to complete a move to Bavaria once Ajax’s season comes to an end this weekend.
After winning the Eredivisie with Ajax, Noussair Mazraoui confirmed on Wednesday that he will be playing for Bayern from next season. The Moroccan full-back will be leaving Ajax after spending a decade at the club.
Die Roten has managed to get Mazraoui on a free transfer as his current deal at Ajax will expire in June. The Bavarian club has been in talks with the full-back’s representatives in the past few months to complete the transfer.
Bayern has managed to beat the competition from FC Barcelona to sign the 24-year-old right-back. Few reports in the past couple of weeks have insisted that Manchester United also showed interest in the fullback. Eventually, Die Roten managed to come up with an attractive financial and sporting project to convince the player. While talking to TZ, Hasan Salihamidzic expressed his satisfaction over getting this deal over the line for Die Roten.
"“He’s a player who has performed really well in recent years. He’s someone who brings something refreshing – We know how tough the right-back market is”“He’s the type of player that was wanted by all of Europe. We’re very happy that he decided to go with us in the next few years. There are still a few things to complete. But he’s a player who will help us and strengthen our team.”"
Mazraoui has been a big part of Erik Ten Hag’s success with Ajax. The Moroccan has great qualities on and off the ball. He can play a huge role in improving Bayern’s build-up play from the back. Most importantly, Mazraoui will add a cutting edge in the final third and make Die Roten a threatening side on both flanks.
In the past three seasons, Benjamin Pavard has been used in the right-back position at Bayern. The French defender has delivered solid performances in this position. However, Die Roten has often lacked sharpness in the final third on the right side due to the presence of Pavard.
Salihamidzic has confirmed that Pavard is likely to play in central defense next season. He insisted that Pavard would be a vital player in several formations under Nagelsmann. Noussair Mazraoui is likely to become the first choice right-back from next season, while Pavard will take up Niklas Sule’s play in the center-back department of the squad.
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Meanwhile, Bayern is also close to completing a deal for Mazraoui’s teammate Ryan Gravenberch. The Bavarian club has reportedly agreed to a fee with Ajax to clinch the transfer of the young midfielder. Gravenberch will most likely replace Corentin Tolisso in the first team at Bayern.