Bayern Munich had to beat competition from Barcelona for key target
The midfield department at Bayern Munich is set to be strengthened in the summer. The Bavarian club has lined up a deal to sign Konrad Laimer on a free transfer from RB Leipzig. Die Roten may announce his signing sooner rather than later after reaching a pre-contract agreement with him.
The latest report from SportBild (via iMiaSanMia) suggests that Bayern had to see off late interest from FC Barcelona to sign Laimer. The Spanish club reportedly contacted agents of Laimer, but he had already reached an agreement with Die Roten for a long-term deal.
Konrad Laimer was a top target for Bayern in the last summer transfer window. They had three bids rejected by RB Leipzig for the Austrian midfielder. Leipzig was in no mood to sell a key player to Die Roten despite facing the prospect of losing him on a free transfer 12 months later.
Laimer will bring more quality and depth to Bayern’s midfield. He can operate in several positions, which makes him a tactically flexible player for Julian Nagelsmann. Joshua Kimmich will finally have a quality deputy, allowing Nagelsmann to manage the workload of the German midfielder from next season.
The 24-year-old midfielder has also previously worked with Nagelsmann for two years at Leipzig. The German coach will be hoping to see Laimer adapting at Bayern quickly due to the familiarity with his philosophy. Laimer is also known for his pressing from midfield, so he will make Bayern a much better outfit off the ball.
Bayern has previously announced the signing of free agents six months prior in January, so they could confirm a deal for Laimer in the next few days. Announcing the deal now will bring an end to speculation and allow Laimer to focus on the rest of the season with RB Leipzig.
The arrival of Laimer may lead to the departure of his compatriot Marcel Sabitzer from Bayern. Sabitzer has done well for Die Roten this season after a poor debut season, but his game time will significantly reduce with the addition of Laimer. Rekordmeister may not stand in his way if a good offer arrives in the summer transfer window.
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Apart from strengthening the midfield with the signing of Laimer, Die Roten is expected to sign a striker in the summer window. They may also look to sign a right-back if Benjamin Pavard ends up leaving the club. The French defender recently expressed his desire to consider a new project in the summer.