Konrad Laimer opens up about failed move to Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich enjoyed an incredible summer transfer window this year. The defending Bundesliga champions addressed all key areas of the squad with quality additions. They also managed to balance the books by getting good transfer fees for fringe players and Robert Lewandowski.
The only disappointing outcome for Bayern in the summer was the failed pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Konrad Laimer. Rekordmeister had identified Laimer as the player to add more depth in the midfield department. Julian Nagelsmann was also reportedly keen on reuniting with Laimer in Bavaria after spending two years with him in Leipzig.
Bayern did put in all efforts to get Laimer, but Leipzig stood strong and rejected all approaches for the midfielder. Leipzig reportedly rejected three bids from Die Roten for Laimer. They reportedly favoured a move abroad for Laimer, but the player had set his heart on the move to Bavaria.
Earlier this week, Laimer opened up about how he coped with a disappointing summer. While talking to Servus TV (via Bulinews), Laimer insisted that he was mentally ready to join Bayern. The Austrian midfielder found it difficult to come to terms with when the move didn’t happen, but he is now ready to focus on the present and perform well for Leipzig.
"“I was ready to make the move in the summer. It was very close, but I didn’t get the green light from Leipzig.”“On the one hand, it’s nice because I’m an important player. On the other hand, it’s difficult, because you think a lot. But I’ve come to terms with it. Life goes on. I’d rather concentrate on the here and now. If you think too much, you lose sight of what’s most important.”"
Leipzig will most likely lose Laimer on a free transfer next summer. He will be free to negotiate with interested clubs in January unless he ends up agreeing to a new deal with Leipzig. Bayern is expected to be in contention to sign Laimer on a free transfer, but they will face competition from other big clubs in Europe.
Liverpool will compete for the signing of Laimer. Die Roten had reportedly agreed personal terms with the player, so they may have an upper hand in this deal. However, things can change very quickly in the transfer market.
Bayern definitely needs another midfielder that can play the number six role. The Bavarian club currently has Joshua Kimmich as the only natural option for this position. The German midfielder’s workload needs to be managed over a long season, so it is necessary to have an ideal deputy for him.
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Going by reports in Germany, Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane is the top target for Bayern next summer. The English striker will cost a significant fee, so Die Roten will have to do smart recruitment to address other areas of the squad. Laimer on a free transfer is the type of deal Bayern will have to conclude if they decide to allocate the majority of the summer transfer budget to Kane. The next couple of months will give more clarity on Die Roten’s pursuit of Laimer.