The summer transfer window has started on a good note for Bayern Munich. They confirmed the signing of Konrad Laimer from RB Leipzig on Friday. Along with Laimer, Bayern has also reached an agreement with Raphael Guerreiro for a three-year contract.
Guerreiro will join as a free agent after his contract at Borussia Dortmund came to an end. The Portuguese full-back had held talks with Hasan Salihamidzic before the end of the season. The departure of Salihamidzic raised doubts about the transfer going through, but the supervisory board was eager to get his signing over the line.
The 29-year-old full-back will arrive at Sabner Strasse later this week to undergo medical and complete the transfer. Bayern has managed to beat several European clubs for the signing of Guerreiro. It does look like the Portuguese defender was eager to continue in the Bundesliga after spending seven seasons at Dortmund.
Bayern’s supervisory board member Uli Hoeness is pleased with the signing of Raphael Guerreiro. While talking to Sky Sports Germany on Sunday, Hoeness insisted that the versatility of Guerreiro will be a big asset for the team and Thomas Tuchel next season.
"“When the name was mentioned in our squad planning group, as a free agent, we all agreed immediately. This is a player that we can use very well because he is versatile.”“If you want to have a balanced squad, you need specialists in their positions, but you also need players who can play several positions.”"
Guerreiro primarily operates in the left-back position. He can also be used in the wing-back role with a back three in defense. The Portuguese full-back offers creativity in the final third. He played an influential role for Dortmund in the final third this season, providing 12 assists in the Bundesliga. Guerreiro also chipped in with six goals across all competitions.
Bayern will mostly consider Guerreiro as the backup for Alphonso Davies at the start of next season in the left-back position. The 29-year-old defender will provide great competition in this role and end up getting a decent number of appearances across the season.
Apart from the left-back position, Guerreiro can play as a left-sided forward and midfielder. The Portuguese international has played several games in these positions throughout his career. He can be the top-class utility man for Bayern next season. From a financial perspective, it was a no-brainer for Die Roten to sign Guerreiro. He will replace Joao Cancelo in the squad for next season.
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Along with having versatility, Guerreiro also has the experience of playing under Thomas Tuchel. He excelled under Tuchel at Dortmund, which will make sure that he needs less time to settle at Bayern. The 29-year-old full-back has done well in the Bundesliga, which bodes well for Die Roten.