The money raised from departures is crucial for Bayern Munich this summer as they look to refresh their squad. The German Champions don’t have a massive budget like the Premier League clubs and Paris Saint-Germain, so they have to be creative in the transfer market. Die Roten is also looking to raise funds by listening to offers for fringe players.
Chris Richards is one of the players at Bayern that is likely to leave this summer. The US international had a promising loan spell at Hoffenheim. His good loan spell has made sure that there is interest from various clubs in him this summer.
According to CBS, there is strong interest in Chris Richards from Premier League and La Liga. Crystal Palace and Southampton want to sign the young defender, while Valencia is one of the three Spanish clubs that have also joined the race for him. It remains to be seen what the player’s preference is, while Die Roten is thinking about inserting a buy-back clause in a potential deal for him. CBS also confirms that a few clubs from Germany and France are also tracking the young defender.
Richards primarily featured in the heart of the defense for Hoffenheim last season. He managed to make 19 Bundesliga appearances for Hoffenheim. His season was cut short in mid-April due to a hamstring injury. As things stand, Richards will be reporting for pre-season at Sabner Strasse unless a transfer is sorted in the next few days. (Stats courtesy: Whoscored)
A trio of Spanish clubs, a group understood to include Valencia, have entered the race for USMNT defender Chris Richards. PL duo of Southampton and Crystal Palace still leading the way. Bayern Munich discussing whether to include buyback clause. https://t.co/bODjoEMAPF
— James Benge (@jamesbenge) June 17, 2022
A move away from Bavaria will be the right choice for Chris Richards. He has developed well in the last 18 months, courtesy of getting consistent playing time at Hoffenheim. The US international should be aiming for similar game time to improve his game.
Chris Richards will find it difficult to get adequate first-team minutes at Bayern next season. There are four center-backs ahead of him in the pecking order, which will mean he will play in the odd DFB Pokal games. In such a scenario, looking for a permanent transfer should be on the agenda this summer for the 22-year-old defender.
A move to Premier League will be great Richards, provided the likes of Southampton and Crystal Palace can guarantee consistent playing time. Both clubs have been good at developing young players. Valencia has been a chaotic club in the past few years, so a move to Mestalla will not be the ideal environment for him to develop.
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In an ideal scenario, Bayern and Chris Richards would like a transfer sorted before the start of the pre-season tour. Richards will get a good amount of time to prepare for the season with his new club. Die Roten should look to include a feasible buy-back clause since Richards is likely to develop into a very good center-back. The upcoming weeks are likely to be decisive for Richards’ future, which is certainly looking away from Bavaria.