The midfield department at Bayern Munich is set to witness major changes this summer. In terms of incomings, Die Roten has already reached an agreement with Konrad Laimer to join on a free transfer from RB Leipzig. Laimer was a transfer target for Bayern last summer, but Leipzig was not keen to sell.
The Austrian midfielder was initially expected to be the only midfield signing this summer. However, there has been a change in plans at Die Roten in the last few months. Thomas Tuchel was reportedly concerned about the balance in central midfield. It does look like the club chiefs also have similar concerns about the midfield.
According to TZ (via iMiaSanMia), Bayern chiefs are critical about the midfield pairing of Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka. The Bavarian club is planning to sign a holding midfielder to push Kimmich ahead in the number eight position. Laimer is also likely to play in the number eight position next season.
Die Roten’s decision to sign a quality number six does raise doubts over Goretzka’s future. The German midfielder has struggled for consistency this season. Goretzka is reportedly not looking for a transfer, as he is determined to get back to his best next season. It will be interesting to see how Bayern handles his situation if they receive offers for him.
In the number six position, Bayern has identified West Ham United’s Declan Rice as the top target. The update from England on Rice’s future is not promising, but Sky Sports in Germany is still reporting that Rice can imagine a move to Munich after holding positive talks with Tuchel. The record Bundesliga champions are set to make an offer for him once his and West Ham’s season comes to an end next week.
❗️News #Rice: The meeting with him in London was positive! Rice has given the feeling that he can well imagine a move to Bayern!
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 2, 2023
➡️ Bosses have discussed him in the last days again
➡️ Bayern want to prepare an official offer as their next step
➡️ Tuchel main driver.… pic.twitter.com/ys7bRl76D9
Rice will be paired with Kimmich in the center of the park. Meanwhile, there will be several options in the number eight position for Thomas Tuchel. Goretzka and Laimer will be the senior midfielders that can play in this position. Jamal Musiala can also operate in this position.
Ryan Gravenberch also excels in the number eight role. However, the Dutch midfielder may look for a transfer away from Munich if another midfielder arrives at the club. Gravenberch was frustrated with the lack of playing time during his debut season. Liverpool has reportedly held talks with his representatives to explore a summer transfer.
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Marcel Sabitzer looks destined to leave Die Roten this summer. He had a decent loan spell at Manchester United in the second half of the season until he got injured earlier this month. It remains to be seen if the Red Devils will look to sign him permanently.