The winter transfer window is set to be a quiet one for Bayern Munich. Hasan Salihamidzic has insisted a couple of times that there will be no incomings in January. The Bavarian club will focus on identifying and finalizing transfer targets for the summer window in the coming months.
Bayern may look to bolster the midfield department in the summer. The latest report in Spain suggests that Die Roten may bring a Premier League star back to Bundesliga. According to Relevo, Bayern has held talks with Ilkay Gundogan over the possibility of a transfer in the summer.
The German midfielder currently has eight months left on his current deal at Manchester City. The defending Premier League champions want to keep Gundogan, so they have started talks with his agents. However, Bayern may come into the picture if Gundogan decides against extending his stay in Manchester. Relevo also reports that Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are also keenly following the contract situation of Gundogan.
Meanwhile, SportBild has dismissed reports linking Gundogan with a move to Bayern. The German midfielder is attracting interest from various clubs, but SportBild believes that a move to Munich is highly unlikely.
Bayern are definitely not interested in Ilkay Gündogan as the midfield is well equipped. Other clubs are interested in the German international whose contract expires next summer, but he won't be moving to Munich despite contrary rumours [Bayern Insider, @cfbayern, @altobelli13]
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) October 28, 2022
Ilkay Gundogan has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League over the past few seasons. After recovering from a serious back problem, Gundogan has become a crucial part of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. His versatility in the midfield has allowed Guardiola to use him in different roles.
Gundogan will definitely add more quality to Die Roten’s midfield. He can operate in the holding midfield position or become a goal threat in the number eight role. The German international has previously played in the Bundesliga, so he will seamlessly slot at Bayern.
Despite the quality of Gundogan, it may not be wise for Die Roten to commit big wages for a player that will turn 33 next season. Apart from Sadio Mane (30), all of Bayern’s last summer signings were below the age of 25. The Bavarian club may look to add a younger midfielder to the squad that will align with their long-term vision.
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Moreover, Bayern has been working on a deal to sign Konrad Laimer from RB Leipzig. The Bavarian club had three bids rejected for Laimer last summer. Die Roten is reportedly confident about signing him on a free transfer next year. Liverpool is also interested in Laimer, but Bayern seems to be leading the race for him. Unless the move for Laimer collapses, Die Roten is unlikely to explore other options in the center of the park. Never say never, but as things stand, a move for Gundogan looks unlikely for Bayern.