Apart from adding a couple of new forwards to the squad, Bayern Munich will also focus on strengthening the central defense during the summer transfer window. Eric Dier will leave Munich at the end of the season on a free transfer, which will open a space for a new center-back signing.
Bayern had signed Hiroki Ito from VfB Stuttgart last summer to strengthen the defense. The Japanese defender has been unfortunate with injuries this season, but he finally made his debut last week. Along with Ito, Bayern also tried to sign Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen during the last summer transfer window.
Tah had agreed personal terms with Bayern. However, Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern couldn’t find an agreement over a transfer fee. Tah is expected to leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season on a free transfer.
It does look like Bayern will not be in the mix to sign Tah on a free transfer. While talking to Bild last weekend, Christoph Freund hinted towards not signing Tah to strengthen the defense at Bayern.
"That's not a topic for us at the moment. You can see that our defense is currently doing well and has really become solid. We are conceding few goals. That's why we are very, very satisfied at the moment."Christoph Freund
Bayern will look to sign a young center-back in the summer
Instead of looking at an experienced defender, Bayern will look to sign a younger center-back in the summer. They have been linked with several young defenders over the last couple of months.
Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande has been heavily scouted by Bayern. The Ivory Coast defender is attracting interest from several clubs across Europe. Apart from Diomande, Die Roten have also kept tabs on Cristian Mosquera from Valencia. Die Roten have also been linked with Benfica’s Antonio Silva in the past.
Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen is another player on Bayern’s radar to strengthen their options in the heart of the defense. The Spanish defender has a release clause worth £50 million. There will be significant competition for Huijsen’s signing as he continues to excel in his debut Premier League campaign.
🚨⭐️ EXCL: Dean Huijsen’s contract at Bournemouth includes £50m release clause.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 17, 2025
The clause is 100% confirmed as revealed in January. It will be valid from summer 2025.
19 year old defender attracting top clubs interest after excellent performances at Bournemouth this season. pic.twitter.com/mDtzTGfUg9
Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae are entering the prime of their careers, so it makes sense for Bayern to look for a younger center-back. The young defender will get enough time to settle in Bavaria, while Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, and Hiroki Ito will provide the experience in the starting XI.
Bayern are also looking to tie down Upamecano to a long-term deal. The French center-back has been in sublime form under Vincent Kompany. He is eager to sign a new deal, which may ensure smooth negotiations with Bayern over the next few months.