Bayern Munich: Julian Nagelsmann continues to push for new center-back
A big chunk of incoming transfer business for Bayern Munich has been done in June. The Bavarian club has bolstered midfield, defense, and attack by signing quality players for a reasonable transfer fee. There is still work to do for Die Roten as Julian Nagelsmann identifies a key position to strengthen this summer.
According to AZ, Nagelsmann continues to push for the signing of a new central defender. The German coach is eager to get a center-back that can be the leader at the back. The German coach has been eager to add a central defender ever since Niklas Sule’s move to Borussia Dortmund was confirmed at the start of 2022.
AZ has mentioned Kalidou Koulibaly, Matthijs De Ligt, and Gleison Bremer as possible options for Die Roten to address this position. However, there is one significant hurdle in concluding transfers for one of these three center-backs. De Ligt is expensive, while Bremer is heavily linked with a move to Inter Milan. Koulibaly could be available in the current window, but he will be a short-term signing due to his age.
Bayern has refused to rule out the signing of a center-back before the end of the current transfer window. However, reports linking the Bavarian club to various center-backs have cooled in the past few weeks. There have been suggestions about Die Roten sticking with current options for next season.
Die Roten’s previous top center-back target for this summer was Andreas Christensen. The Danish center-back was available on a free transfer as his contract at Chelsea comes to an end on Thursday. However, Barcelona managed to win the race for him.
Apart from Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Matthias Ginter were heavily linked with a move to Bavaria. The two German defenders were also available on free transfers this summer. Rudiger has sealed a move to Real Madrid, while Ginter has joined Freiburg. Bayern will have to fork a fee for a new center-back as all their free transfer options have joined other clubs.
The signing of a center-back will also depend on Tanguy Nianzou’s performances in the pre-season. Julian Nagelsmann will reportedly decision on the young French defender’s future after the pre-season. Nianzou is currently one of the four center-back options in the senior team at Bayern. Benjamin Pavard will also play in central defense next season after the arrival of Noussair Mazraoui from Ajax.
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Die Roten chiefs are currently focussing on resolving the future of Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker is determined to join FC Barcelona, while the Spanish club has made two bids for him. There could be significant developments on his transfer in the coming days. Bayern will have to look for a suitable replacement for him. A center-back could eventually arrive in the final weeks of the window, but there is no certainty about it.