Bayern Munich has been working on refreshing the midfield area of the squad this summer. They have already completed the signing of Konrad Laimer from RB Leipzig on a free transfer. Laimer will bring more intensity to Bayern’s midfield after excelling at Leipzig for several years.
Borussia Dortmund’s Raphael Guerreiro is also expected to complete his move to Bayern next week. The Portuguese full-back also joins on a free transfer. Guerreiro will also be an option in midfield for Thomas Tuchel since he played in the center of the park for Dortmund last season.
The club chiefs reportedly want to break the midfield partnership of Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka in the summer transfer window. Kimmich had a decent season, but there was a dip in the performances of Goretzka. Kimmich could be moved into the number eight role, while Goretzka will have to fight for a place in the starting XI.
The arrival of new midfielders will certainly lead to speculation about the future of Leon Goretzka. However, the 28-year-old midfielder has no plans to leave Bavaria in the summer. While talking to Sport1 this week, Goretzka admitted that he is looking forward to playing in Bavarian colours next season.
"“I have no other plans than staying at Bayern. We have big plans for next year, as Kimmich said after the Ukraine game.”“Competition in the squad is a basis for the success of FC Bayern. The people in charge are doing their job to question everything. But I’m sure we will find our way back on the road to success together in the new season.”"
Goretzka currently has three years left on his contract. The German midfielder signed a new deal two seasons ago, rejecting interest from other big clubs in Europe. Bayern is unlikely to give up on Goretzka after one bad season, but he faces the prospect of not being a certainty in the starting XI from next season.
Bayern wants to sign a number six to add more steel to the midfield department. Tuchel and Die Roten had identified West Ham United’s Declan Rice as the top target for this role. However, the Bavarian club has pulled out of the race to sign Rice since he is expected to stay in the Premier League and join Arsenal.
The Bavarian club has also been linked with Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat. The Moroccan midfielder is expected to leave the Italian club this summer. He will be a cheaper alternative to Rice. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojberg has also been discussed as a possible midfield target at Bayern.
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In terms of departures, Marcel Sabitzer is expected to leave this summer after a decent loan spell at Manchester United. Ryan Gravenberch may end up leaving the club if he is not given assurances over playing time. The Dutch midfielder will make a decision on his future after the end of U-21 Euros in July.