Bayern Munich are expected to strengthen their midfield in the summer transfer window. However, signing a marquee player in the center of the park is not the priority for the Bundesliga champions. Bayern are expected to pounce on a market opportunity to strengthen the midfield department.
Hertha BSC’s teen sensation Kennet Eichhorn has emerged as one of the key targets for Bayern and a good market opportunity to strengthen the midfield. The 16-year-old has a release clause in his contract, which makes him a fairly straightforward deal to do with Hertha.
However, the latest murmurs in the German media suggest Bayern have decided to withdraw their interest in signing Eichhorn.
According to Bild and Kicker, Bayern are not expected to further pursue a move for Eichhorn due to the cost involved in the deal from the player’s side. Eichhorn’s representatives are looking for a high signing-on fee, which is even bigger than the reported release clause in his contract. His release clause is reportedly between €9-15 million.
These reports also confirm that Eichhorn was open to a move to Munich. As things stand, it will take a significant shift in stance from Bayern on the signing-on fee demands from Eichhorn for this move to happen.
Manchester City have also made a concrete move for Eichhorn. The Premier League side is ready to sign him this summer and immediately loan him to Bayer Leverkusen. Liverpool have also shown interest in the young midfielder.
Eichhorn is an extraordinary talent. He has seamlessly adapted to senior football at a very tender age. It is not surprising to see clubs queuing up to sign him after just one season at the senior level. Bayern want to strengthen the squad this summer without crazy spending, so the stance on Eichhorn is justified. Paying a big signing-on fee for Eichhorn may not help Die Roten in future negotiations.
Bayern may end up not signing a midfielder
After deciding against pursuing a move for Eichhorn, there is a good chance Bayern may not sign a midfielder. Tom Bischof is expected to get more game time in the center of the park next season due to the departure of Leon Goretzka. He has been utilized in the full-back positions this season. With new full-backs expected to arrive this summer, Bischof will be free to play in his natural position.
Bayern have also activated the buy-back option to sign Noël Aséko Nkili from Hannover in April. The 20-year-old had a productive spell at Hannover. He is expected to go with the squad for the pre-season tour. If Nkili impresses Vincent Kompany during the pre-season, he will get opportunities with the first team next season.
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