The midfield department at Bayern Munich was strengthened this summer. Corentin Tolisso left the club on a free transfer, so there was space for signing one midfielder. Die Roten moved quickly for Ryan Gravenberch and completed the deal with Ajax at the end of last season. The Dutch midfielder rejected approaches from other top clubs in Europe to join Bayern.
Apart from Tolisso, Bayern also parted ways with Marc Roca this summer. The Spaniard joined Leeds United to get consistent playing time this season. Bayern was expected to add another midfielder to add more quality to the midfield since the current campaign has a cramped schedule due to World Cup.
The defending Bundesliga champions identified RB Leipzig’s Konrad Laimer to have more quality depth in the midfield. However, Die Roten is set to face disappointment in the pursuit of Laimer ahead of the final two weeks of the transfer window.
According to Kicker, RB Leipzig has no plans to part ways with Laimer so late in the window. They have consistently insisted that the chances of Laimer staying at the club are higher even though he entered the final 12 months of the current deal.
Bayern reportedly had two bids rejected for Laimer. Leipzig wanted close to €30 million for the Austrian midfielder, but it does look like Die Roten has no plans to reach that figure for a player that can sign a pre-contract agreement in January.
Laimer has already agreed terms with Die Roten, but he may have to wait for a transfer to Bavaria until next summer. Bayern has also hinted that dealings for incomings are complete, and it will be a big surprise if another player is signed before the end of the window. The Bavarian club is currently focussing on the departures of fringe players.
For the time being, Die Roten has considerable depth in the midfield department. Marcel Sabitzer has started the season well in central midfield, so Julian Nagelsmann can use him in this role to manage the workload of Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich. Ryan Gravenberch is also likely to play a big role for Bayern as the season progresses.
Want your voice heard? Join the Bayern Strikes team!
Jamal Musiala also did a fine job in the midfield last season, so he can also become an option if there is an injury crisis. Since Laimer is eager to seal a move to Bavaria, Bayern may go back for him in the winter transfer window. For now, it does look like the Austrian midfielder will be playing for Leipzig this season.