Bayern Munich: How can Daley Blind strengthen Nagelsmann’s squad?
The winter transfer window is generally quiet for Bayern Munich. They rarely sign players. The Bavarian club hardly signs players in January, let alone pull off surprise deals. However, the current window is different, as Rekordmeister is actively pursuing deals to improve the squad for the rest of the season.
Bayern has started the winter transfer window with a surprise transfer as Daley Blind underwent medical at Sabner Strasse on Thursday. The Dutch defender is joining on a six-month deal after his contract at Ajax was terminated at the end of December.
Several reports in Germany have confirmed that Die Roten has offered Blind a six-month deal, and there is no further option to extend the contract. The record Bundesliga champions can negotiate another contract with the 32-year-old Dutch international if things go well during Ruckrunde.
Daley Blind will travel with the first team for the winter camp in Doha on Friday. If all things go well, Blind will make his competitive debut for Die Roten when Bundesliga resumes against RB Leipzig on January 20. The deal for Blind is a huge surprise for Bayern, but what will he add to the current squad?
Versatility and cover in several positions
Blind has been a very consistent player for Ajax in the past six seasons. He also did a fairly good job at Manchester United in the left-back and center-back positions. The Dutch international is not the quickest defender, but his positional awareness is one of the best defenders in Europe. He has managed to keep several fast and physical forwards throughout his career while playing in central defense.
The former Ajax defender’s versatility will provide Bayern with cover in several positions. Since Lucas Hernandez is ruled out for the rest of the season due to a ligament injury, Daley Blind will be a good left-sided defender to fill the void left by the French defender. The Dutch international can also deputise Alphonso Davies in the left-back position.
Experience
Along with bringing versatility to the squad, Blind also adds experience to the squad. Matthijs de Ligt and Dayot Upamecano are young central defenders, so playing with Blind will certainly benefit the game of both center-backs.
The Dutch defender is also a serial winner, as he played a vital role in Ajax’s success during the past five seasons. Adding a serial winner to the senior squad can definitely be more of a positive than a negative for Bayern. The Bavarian club is looking to bring the Champions League back to Allianz Arena after two years, so adding more experience and quality in January can definitely help the squad.
Tactical flexibility for Julian Nagelsmann
Blind’s arrival at Bayern will also give tactical flexibility to Julian Nagelsmann during the second half of the season. The Dutch defender can play in a back three, so Nagelsmann can implement 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 during Ruckrunde. Daley Blind is often acknowledged as a tactically smart player. With the presence of Blind in the squad, Nagelsmann can use different systems that will help Die Roten to go deep in all competitions.
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It is a win-win deal for Bayern. They are not committing huge money since Blind is unlikely to be on hefty wages. A six-month deal will make sure that it is a short-term commitment to fill the temporary voids in the squad. Moreover, Blind will bring a lot of positive qualities on and off the pitch during the next six months.