Bayern Munich have started preparing for the Club World Cup. The newly arranged post-season intercontinental competition will begin in the second half of June after the international games. Bayern are early favourites for the tournament due to their form and the fixtures setup.
However, the Bavarian club is facing significant injury problems in defense ahead of the tournament. According to Sky Sports journalist Kerry Hau (via iMiaSanMia), Kim Min-jae is unlikely to feature in the Club World Cup as he is still struggling with Achilles tendon problems.
As things stand, Josip Stanisic is the only fit center-back available for Bayern. The Croatian defender had played in the heart of defense during the last few games of the league campaign. Kim Min-jae would have ideally paired with Stanisic in this tournament since Dayot Upamecano is still recovering from a knee injury.
Bayern will also be without Eric Dier since he has moved to Monaco on a free transfer. The English defender is not keen on playing in the Club World Cup, as he has already joined a French club. As things stand, Leon Goretzka may have to start alongside Stanisic in the heart of defense against Auckland City on June 15.
Bayer Leverkusen leverage Bayern’s injuries in negotiations for Jonathan Tah
Considering the severity of injuries in central defense and the Club World Cup in June, Bayern quickly wrapped up a deal for Jonathan Tah. The Bundesliga champions managed to beat competition from FC Barcelona and Real Madrid for the signature of the German defender on a free transfer.
However, Tah is currently not eligible to play in the Club World Cup since his contract expires on June 30. Bayern have been negotiating with Bayer Leverkusen for an early release of Tah. However, Leverkusen have asked for a fee close to €5-7 million for the German defender. Die Roten consider this demand exorbitant since they are requesting Tah to be released just a few days before the end of his contract.
Bayer Leverkusen are leveraging Bayern’s injury issues in defense to get a big fee for Tah. The next few days will decide if Die Roten manage to get Tah in the squad for the first phase of the Club World Cup.
Bayern are working on a new contract for Upamecano. Another signing in central defense will depend on what happens with Kim Min-jae. The South Korean defender is facing an uncertain future in Munich.