Bayern Munich witnessed another significant departure this week. Paul Wanner sealed a permanent transfer from Bayern to PSV Eindhoven. The German attacking midfielder signed a contract until 2030 with the Dutch club. Die Roten have managed to insert a buy-back clause in the deal.
Wanner has not significantly contributed to Bayern’s success since he is 19 right now, but his departure is significant since he was tipped to become a key player for the club in the future. The youngster shone during his last two loan spells, further strengthening the belief of club chiefs that he can contribute to the success of the first team.
The 19-year-old German attacking midfielder was expected to get minutes for Bayern this season since Jamal Musiala was ruled out for the first half of the season due to a serious injury. The stage was set for Wanner to get adequate game time for Die Roten and make an impression. However, it does look like Wanner was not convinced by Bayern’s plan for him.
The youngster didn’t feature in the German Supercup due to a minor injury. There has been speculation around his future throughout the summer. He eventually sealed a move to PSV Eindhoven this week for €15 million plus add-ons.
While talking to Sky Sports this week (via iMiaSanMia), Bayern director of Sport Max Eberl hinted that Wanner didn’t believe in the vision that the club had for him. He also revealed that Bayern had plans to give him adequate game time in the first team this season.
"We loan players out to give them the chance to be ready for FC Bayern. I've seen our squad and I've seen the injury to Jamal Musiala. By the time Jamal comes back, we'd have played 20-25 games, and you'd have had a big opportunity to show your qualities at FC Bayern, where you've always wanted to play."Max Eberl on Paul Wanner
Despite the bitter ending, Bayern did the right thing by having a say in Wanner’s future when he eventually decides to leave PSV Eindhoven by adding a buyback clause. Considering his development trajectory over the last two seasons, Wanner is likely to excel for PSV.
Lennart Karl will benefit from the departure of Wanner
Considering how thin Bayern’s attack is right now, Wanner was bound to get meaningful game time across different positions in the attack. His allocated game time will likely go to Lennart Karl. The German forward came off the bench against RB Leipzig in the second half on Friday.
Karl signed a new deal at Bayern earlier this summer. He excelled for the first team during pre-season friendly games. The 17-year-old forward has been tipped to deputise Michael Olise on the right flank, but he can also play behind the striker. It will be intriguing to see how he develops over the course of the season.