Despite missing key players and ongoing struggles to land desired transfer targets for necessary upgrades, Bayern Munich entered the FIFA Club World Cup with eyes on the trophy and the associated monetary rewards. Apart from the prestige of winning the tournament, despite its many detractors, the prize money would have been a welcome boon to make Bayern more competitive in the current transfer market.
Unfortunately, the German Champions bowed out of the tournament at the quarter-final stage, following a 2-0 defeat at the hands of reigning European Champions, Paris Saint-Germain. Let’s have a look at the state of play at the club following its exit from the Club World Cup.
Increased challenges in transfer market
Following the disappointing early exit from the tournament and the resultant loss of additional revenue, Bayern are still no closer to acquiring their most sought-after targets in the current transfer window.
The lack of quality on the left wing remains a glaring weakness and a big challenge to overcome. After missing out on the likes of Florian Wirtz, Nico Williams, and Bradley Barcola, Bayern are now reportedly looking at landing Luis Diaz from Liverpool, with rumours of Real Madrid’s Rodrygo also swirling. In any event, neither would come cheaply.
Added to the need for an upgrade at left wing, courtesy of a horrendous injury suffered by Jamal Musiala against PSG, there is now a gaping void in the number ten position. Musiala is expected to be on the sidelines for at least four months.
Before Musiala’s most recent injury, Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade was a target to provide coverage for both Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala and to even play alongside them. With Musiala now out of the picture for several months, the need for Woltemade has increased exponentially, and consequently, Bayern has even less leverage in negotiations for the versatile 6’6” attacker. With Thomas Muller and Leroy Sané no longer part of the setup, as things currently stand, the German Champions will continue to be haunted by their failure to convince Florian Wirtz to leave Leverkusen in favor of Bavaria.