Bayern Munich: Crystal Palace monitoring situation of Chris Richards
The defensive department at Bayern Munich looks to be settled. Julian Nagelsmann would like to add another center-back, but they can still manage next season with existing options. The right-back position has been significantly strengthened by the signing of Noussair Mazraoui from Ajax on a free transfer.
In terms of departures, Chris Richards could leave the club permanently this summer. The US-international delivered impressive performances for Hoffenheim in the last 18 months. With the departure of Sebastian Hoeness, Richards may not go back to Hoffenheim again this summer.
However, his good performances at Hoffenheim have not gone unnoticed. According to Daily Telegraph, Crystal Palace is monitoring the situation of Richards at Bayern. There has been no mention of a transfer fee or negotiations by the English outlet, but it is not surprising to see Palace targeting him. The London-based club has been recruiting young talented players under Patrick Viera.
Leicester City had also shown interest in Chris Richards last summer. However, the English team never made an offer for the young defender. There is likely to be interest from other Bundesliga clubs in the young defender due to his consistent performances for Hoffenheim.
Chris Richards will be the fifth/fourth choice defender at Bayern if he decides to stay in Bavaria. Lucas Hernandez, Benjamin Pavard, and Dayot Upamecano will be ahead of him in the pecking order. Tanguy Nianzou’s situation is not clear yet. The French defender will be fighting for that fourth center-back position in the squad with Richards.
The German Champions rate Richards highly, but this summer could be an ideal time to get some sort of fee for him. Richards also needs to get regular playing time to keep developing, which is unlikely to happen at Die Roten. He should be looking for a club that will guarantee him adequate playing time throughout the season.
Bayern should ideally insert a buyout clause if Richards seals a permanent move. However, the English clubs may demand an expensive buyback clause. The Bavarian club will be hoping that Bundesliga clubs will come up with good bids for Richards in the coming weeks.
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Meanwhile, the reports linking Die Roten with center-backs have gone quiet. The Bavarian club is working on deals for Sadio Mane and Sasa Kalajdzic, while Ryan Gravenberch will be completing his transfer to Bayern this week. The German Champions could look for a center-back once other areas in the squad are addressed.