The winter transfer window was expected to be quiet for Bayern Munich, but injuries forced their hands to look for short-term signings. They swiftly completed a deal for Daley Blind at the start of January to get more cover and depth in the defense.
After Manuel Neuer was ruled out for the rest of the season, Bayern had to explore the market for a new goalkeeper. The Bavarian club eventually found an agreement with Borussia Monchengladbach to sign Yann Sommer. The Swiss goalkeeper made his debut for Die Roten in a 1-1 draw against RB Leipzig last weekend.
In terms of departures, Bayern is not actively looking for offers for fringe players. Ryan Gravenberch has struggled for playing time since moving to Bavaria in the summer, which has eventually led to speculation about his immediate future. He was recently linked with a loan move to Liverpool.
Despite the reported interest from Liverpool, Sky Sports in Germany has confirmed that Die Roten has no plans to part ways with Gravenberch before the end of January. The Dutch midfielder will stay in Bavaria at least for the rest of the season.
News #Gravenberch: It’s decided and no doubt: He has to stay at #FCBayern! No transfer in January. Within the club they still believe in him. A loan to Liverpool or to another club is NO topic. #LFC @SkySportDE 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/9qlBmJ7tP0
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 24, 2023
Ryan Gravenberch has started only two games for Bayern this season. He is yet to get a start in the Bundesliga for Bayern. The lack of playing time in Hinrunde did cost him a place in the Dutch squad for the FIFA World Cup 2022.
The young Dutch midfielder has expressed frustration over lack of game time, but Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic backed him to eventually become an important player in the first team. He will be hoping to feature more regularly for Rekordmeister during the second half of the season.
Bayern and Nagelsmann are wise to keep Ryan Gravenberch in the squad for the rest of the season. The Ruckrunde is set to have a busy schedule, with a game every three days. In such a scenario, Nagelsmann will have to rely on the entire squad to get the best possible results. Gravenberch had a good amount of rest during the World Cup and winter break, so he will be much fresher than other players for the second half of the season.
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Bouna Sarr is the only possible departure from Bayern’s senior team that could take place before the end of January. The former Marseille defender is close to complete fitness, so a transfer can materialize this month. Sarr has struggled for playing time under Nagelsmann in the last 18 months.