Bayern Munich not ruling out center-back signing
The transfer priorities have changed at Bayern Munich since the start of 2022. At the beginning of the year, Die Roten was expected to sign a center-back in the transfer window. However, things have gone quiet regarding the club’s interest in improving the heart of the defense.
Die Roten’s reported interest in improving defense was largely due to the departure of Niklas Sule. The German defender rejected the new contract offer and decided to make a switch to Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer.
Bayern has improved the defense this summer by adding more quality in the right-back position. Noussair Mazraoui has arrived from Ajax on a free transfer. The Moroccan defender is set to be the club’s first-choice right-back from next season. Meanwhile, there have been additions in the midfield and attacking areas of the squad.
As things stand, there is nothing concrete reported by German media to suggest that the signing of a new center-back will take place at Bayern. However, the German champions refuse to rule out the possibility. While talking to SportBild this week, Hasan Salihamidzic has left the door open for the arrival of a new central defender by the end of the window.
"“Also regarding the centre-back position, we’ll keep our eyes and ears open until the end of the transfer window.”"
Going by the comments from Salihamidzic, it does look like Die Roten will strengthen central defense if a good opportunity arises later in the transfer window. Similar to strikers, the current market for quality central defenders is very tricky.
The signing of a new central defender will also depend on what happens with Tanguy Nianzou. Julian Nagelsmann will reportedly monitor the French defender during the pre-season before deciding on his immediate future. Nianzou has been previously linked with a loan move away from Bavaria next season to get adequate playing time. The French defender is currently part of the group of four central defenders in the first team next season.
The arrival of Mazraoui will allow Benjamin Pavard to play in the heart of the defense. The French international has always insisted that central defense is his favoured position. After doing a good job in the right-back position during the last three seasons, Pavard will get an opportunity to excel in his preferred area of the pitch.
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Apart from a central defender, Die Roten could also add another midfielder and forward before the end of the transfer window. There is significant interest in RB Leipzig’s Konrad Laimer, but it will be a difficult transfer to execute. Meanwhile, the arrival of a new forward will depend on what happens with Robert Lewandowski in the coming weeks. The Polish striker prefers a move to FC Barcelona this summer.