Bayern Munich has managed to strengthen the defense for the fourth consecutive summer transfer window. The Bavarian club reached an agreement with Juventus over the weekend for the transfer of Matthijs de Ligt for a package of €80 million. The Dutch defender completed the medical on Tuesday before travelling to the USA for the pre-season tour.
The arrival of de Ligt may lead to the departure of one center-back from the senior squad. Tanguy Nianzou is the most likely candidate to leave Bayern Munich in the coming weeks. The French defender is effectively the fifth choice center-back at Die Roten.
According to L’Equipe (via GGFN), Tanguy Nianzou will be considering a departure this summer. Rennes, Lille, and RB Leipzig are interested in signing the French center-back. A move is not imminent as Nianzou is with the squad in the USA for the pre-season tour.
Meanwhile, Bild is reporting that Bayern will only consider a loan deal for Nianzou. The German Champions may extend his contract before sending him out on loan. His current deal at Die Roten expires in 2024. Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic rates Nianzou and considers him to play a big role in the future for the club.
Tanguy Nianzou joined Die Roten in 2020 from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer. The French defender had awful luck with injuries during his debut season, which halted his development. In the past couple of seasons, Nianzou has largely played as a squad player. He made 22 appearances for Rekordmeister last season. However, the arrival of de Ligt will significantly reduce his playing time.
The French defender needs to play regularly next season, so a loan move will benefit all parties. Die Roten should identify the right club that will provide Nianzou ideal environment to play regularly next season. He can eventually compete for a place in the starting XI at Bayern once he returns from the loan spell.
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Apart from Nianzou, Benjamin Pavard is also facing an uncertain future in Bavaria. The French defender has been linked with Chelsea and Juventus earlier this window. Pavard wanted to play in central defense regularly, but the arrival of de Ligt will limit his chances. He is also likely to be the second choice in the right-back position due to the arrival of Noussair Mazraoui from Ajax.
The coming weeks will give more clarity on Pavard’s future. It is looking certain that one of Pavard and Nianzou may not play in Bavarian colours next season. Nianzou’s departure is looking more likely than Pavard’s permanent transfer. Meanwhile, Chris Richards is also closing on a transfer away from Bavaria. The US international has reportedly agreed terms with Crystal Palace. The English club is currently negotiating with Bayern to complete the transfer.