The final two weeks of the transfer window will see Bayern Munich trimming down the squad and making signing as per the departures. The first player that is likely to leave before the end of the transfer window is Josip Stanisic. After not being involved in the squad against Werder Bremen on Friday, Stanisic is close to sealing a deal to play regularly in the Bundesliga next season.
According to Sky Sports in Germany, Stanisic is set to join Bayer Leverkusen on a season-long loan deal. The Bavarian club has not inserted an option or obligation to buy in this deal. The Croatian defender is expected to complete the formalities of the transfer over the weekend.
Bild and Sport1 have also reported Stanisic’s move to Leverkusen. Sport1 also reveals that Leverkusen wanted to include a purchase option, but Bayern was against it as they believe Stanisic can become a first-team regular for them in the future. The Croat’s contract at Bayern expires in 2026.
Josip Stanisic made his senior debut for Bayern in 2021. He has made 41 appearances for the first team until now and scored one goal. The Croatian defender made 17 appearances for Bayern last season. The 23-year-old defender can play in both full-back positions, and he can also play as a center-back.
Josip Stanišić (23) will go to Leverkusen. Bayern don‘t want to sell him. It will be a loan, no buy-option for Leverkusen @BILD_Sport @altobelli13
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) August 19, 2023
Stanisic’s best performance for Bayern came against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last season. The Croatian started in the right-back position against the French club and delivered composed performances. Whenever Stanisic was called upon in the first team, he held his own and repaid the faith of the coaching staff. He was a very reliable player for Julian Nagelsmann.
The 23-year-old defender also made his debut for the Croatian national team after playing regularly for Bayern. Stanisic would have struggled to get playing time at Bayern this season. Ahead of the Euros next summer, Stanisic needs adequate playing time to challenge for a starting spot in Croatia’s best XI.
The loan move to Leverkusen comes at the right time for Stanisic, as he needs to play regularly. Leverkusen have played attractive football under Xabi Alonso, so Stanisic will learn a lot from the loan spell. The Croat will be an even more refined player when he returns to Sabner Strasse next summer.
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Bayern is unlikely to look for Stanisic’s replacement as they are well covered in both full-back positions. Benjamin Pavard has been heavily linked with a move to Inter Milan, but Sky Sports reported last night that Die Roten is going to keep the French defender. Another arrival in defense will depend on what happens with Pavard in the next two weeks.