After humiliating defeats in cup competitions, Bayern Munich will look to strengthen the squad in the summer. Thomas Tuchel will soon meet Hasan Salihamidzic to discuss the transfer targets. The German coach reportedly wants to further strengthen the midfield department.
Tuchel and Bayern reportedly want a ball-playing midfielder that can also provide the shield to the defense. Ball playing ability is crucial since Die Roten struggled to retain possession in crucial games this season, which makes them vulnerable to counterattacks.
According to Sport1, Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic may become a possible solution to Bayern’s midfield conundrum. The Croatian midfielder is expected to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer since he has just over 12 months left on his current deal. Bayern will face competition from Manchester City for Kovacic.
The report from Sport1 also suggests that Kovacic was one of Thomas Tuchel’s favourite players during his spell at Chelsea. The Bavarian club is yet to show a concrete interest in the former Real Madrid midfielder, but it is a transfer that could work well for all parties. SportBild’s Christian Falk has also reported that Tuchel would like to be reunited with Kovacic at Allianz Arena.
• Thomas Tuchel would like to work with Mateo Kovačić at Bayern. Contract until 2024 - Chelsea would be open to selling the midfielder
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) April 26, 2023
• Mason Mount is currently 'not a hot topic' at Bayern, but the England midfielder is also an option for Tuchel
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Kovacic is known for his slick passing and ball-carrying ability. He is not the most defensively sound midfielder, but the Croatian can help the team retain possession in tight situations. The Croatian midfielder can complement Joshua Kimmich in the central midfield if the latter plays further high up the pitch in a number eight position.
Bayern has already completed a midfield signing for the summer. The record Bundesliga champions have agreed a contract with RB Leipzig’s Konrad Laimer. The Austrian midfielder will join on a free transfer. Laimer is expected to provide cover for Kimmich, so he will also complement Kovacic in the center of the park.
The arrival of Kovacic will definitely force Bayern to sell a couple of midfielders in the summer. Ryan Gravenberch is attracting interest from Premier League clubs. Liverpool has already held talks with Gravenberch’s father to explore a summer move. Die Roten may have to reluctantly sell him if they sign one more midfielder.
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Marcel Sabitzer is the other midfielder Bayern will most likely cash in during the summer transfer window. The Austrian midfielder is currently on loan at Manchester United. The Bavarian club will hope to get good offers for him after his positive loan spell in the Premier League. It does look like there will be plenty of movement in the engine room of the squad.