It is no longer a secret that Bayern Munich have to sign a midfielder at the end of the season. They have already made a big decision to part ways with Leon Goretzka. The German midfielder will be leaving on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Bayern are going to bring a young midfielder to replace Goretzka in the squad. It does look like they may look at an internal option first before thinking about looking for external signings.
According to Sky Sports journalist Kerry Hau (via iMiaSanMia), Bayern are giving serious thought to signing Noël Aséko Nkili in the summer. He is currently enjoying a productive loan spell at Hannover.
As per AZ, Bayern will have to buy him back for €2.4 million since Hannover are expected to exercise the option of signing him permanently for €1 million. The youngster is attracting interest from several Premier League clubs after excelling in 2. Bundesliga.
Bayern have rebuffed interest from several clubs as they plan to have Nkili in the first team next season. He ticks the boxes when it comes to being a like-for-like replacement of Leon Goretzka. The 20-year-old midfielder excels in dominating duels and also has good productivity in the final third. In 22 appearances for Hannover, Nkili has scored three goals and chipped in with five assists.
Noël Aséko Nkili will return to FC Bayern for next season. Brighton, West Ham, Villarreal, Club Brugge, Galatasaray, and several Bundesliga clubs have inquired to Bayern about the midfielder – but sporting director Christoph Freund declined all inquiries. Hannover will exercise… pic.twitter.com/5IqkxbAIyT
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) February 10, 2026
Bayern may face competition for their other midfield target
Apart from Nkili, Bayern are also showing concrete interest in Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha BSC. The teenager has been touted to be the next big midfield talent in Germany. At the age of 17, he is already playing in the first team at Hertha.
Bayern reportedly tried to sign Eichhorn in January, but a move didn’t materialize. He has a release clause in his contract worth €12-15 million. There is significant interest in Eichhorn from other Bundesliga clubs, while big European clubs will also be in the mix if he continues to grow at Hertha.
Signing Nkili will be much more straightforward for Bayern. However, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they remain keen on Eichhorn even if Nkili returns to Munich. The record Bundesliga champions do not want to miss out on big talents in Europe.
Die Roten will not be short of funds to sign a midfielder in the summer since they have saved a significant chunk on the wages of Goretzka. Moreover, Joao Palhinha is expected to seal a permanent move away from Munich as he continues to enjoy a good loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur.