It was a difficult summer transfer window for Bayern Munich. They were hoping to seal the deal for Florian Wirtz early in the summer. After laying down the groundwork during the second half of the season for this signing, Wirtz decided to opt for a move to Liverpool.
After missing out on Wirtz, Bayern switched their attention to signing wingers since they lost Leroy Sane on a free transfer to Galatasaray. They tried to sign Nico Williams and Bradley Barcola, but both forwards ended up staying at their current clubs.
Bayern eventually turned their attention to Luis Diaz from Liverpool. The Bundesliga champions had to pay over the odds for the 28-year-old forward. Die Roten were negotiating with VfB Stuttgart for Nick Woltemade, but couldn’t reach an agreement over the transfer fee. Woltemade ended up joining Newcastle United in the summer.
The Bavarian club somehow got a loan deal for Nicolas Jackson completed on deadline day to add another player to their attack. Despite signing two high-profile forwards, there has been criticism about Bayern’s approach in the transfer window, which has left Vincent Kompany with a smaller squad than last season.
Max Eberl has been under scrutiny for Bayern’s chaotic summer transfer window. While talking to 11 Freunde, Eberl argued against the notion of a smaller squad at Bayern.
"I can't relate to this argument. We started the season with 22 players, and when the long-term injured Alphonso Davies, Jamal Musiala, and Hiroki Itō Ito are back, we'll still have a somewhat smaller squad of 25, but one that is very capable. When scouting, we also paid close attention to the injury record of our new players. What good is a big squad if part of it is constantly in rehab? We also wanted to make space for young players."Max Eberl
Bayern are unlikely to spend big in winter
Going by the comments of Eberl, Bayern are unlikely to do business during the winter transfer window. They are banking on the return of Musiala, Ito, and Davies to further strengthen them during the second half of the season.
Davies is making steady progress with growing expectations at the club that he will return before the end of the year. Ito is also not far away, but Musiala may take some time as he is making a recovery from a very gruelling injury.
Die Roten are also keen on giving Lennart Karl adequate game time in the first team this season. The youngster made his first start in the Champions League on Wednesday against Club Brugge. Karl marked this milestone with a well-taken goal. Bayern are hoping to see him grow and eventually become a crucial member of the squad in the long term.
Eberl has made a valid point about injured players and giving opportunities to young players, but Bayern’s approach in the summer cannot be justified. Vincent Kompany has done a fine job of getting the squad going this season. The Bavarian faithful will hope Die Roten learn lessons from summer and get their business done more efficiently in the next transfer windows.