Bayern Munich: Mid-season analysis of Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is having a fantastic season so far, having scored 11 goals and chipped in with three assists for Bayern Munich across all competitions. He has been a crucial asset to the Bayern Munich attack. Choupo-Moting has taken Lewandowski’s number nine position and made it his own.

Nagelsmann seems to have made him his go-to number nine and on his current form most likely one of the first names on his team sheet. On the pitch he seems to have a great relationship with his teammates as can be seen by their understanding of his positioning on the pitch, his teammates also seem to trust him on the ball.

The 33-year-old forward has become the focal point of the attack. He’s often played long balls into the opposition’s half where he can dribble through the defenders in which he’s been successful 81.8% of the time. His movement to create chances has provided a different dimension to Die Roten’s attack. In the Bundesliga this season, he has created 28 shot-creating actions backing up his creative ability. (Stats from FBref)

Choupo-Moting joined Die Roten in October 2020 on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. In his first season for the Bavarian club, he scored only nine goals and assisting once in 32 appearances. In the 2021/22 season, he scored another nine goals and managed five assists in just 26 appearances this time having missed 17 matches through injuries illnesses, and international duty. This season the Cameroonian international is on track to have a very successful season having already matched his best goal contribution season.

Choupo-Moting’s form this season has attracted interest from overseas, particularly from Manchester United, who are struggling for strikers this season with Anthony Martial picking up injuries and Cristiano Ronaldo underperforming. Manchester United is a club that won’t be afraid to offer high wages to Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting who will be available to discuss his options with other clubs in January since his current deal at Die Roten expires in the summer. Despite his contract situation, it is difficult to see Bayern parting ways with Choupo-Moting in January.

The Bavarian club is eager to keep hold of the former PSG forward beyond the current season. Bayern is currently in discussions with the Cameroonian to extend his contract. While talking to Sky Sports (via SportBild), Hasan Salihamidzic insisted that Die Roten will try to reach an agreement with the agents of Choupo-Moting for a new deal.

"“We’d love to keep him. I’ve a good relationship with his agent. We’ll meet and see if we can satisfy him. He’s a big asset for us”"

Bayern Munich is reportedly interested in signing Harry Kane in the coming summer with the Tottenham Hotspur striker putting contract talks on hold. Choupo-Moting’s game time will reduce if Kane does arrive in Bavaria, but he will still have a big role to play for Die Roten. The former PSG forward is settled at Bayern, so a contract renewal should take place sooner rather than later. For now, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting will focus on the World Cup with Cameroon.