If you had to point to one area of weakness in the Bayern Munich squad, many would point to the defense. Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano have done a solid job holding down the backline, but with both in their late 20s and early 30s, it would be smart for the club to start planning for what the future looks like at center-back.
The club has been linked with a number of central defenders in recent years, but they have their eyes pinned on one in particular, one they know very well, and one who, at just 19-years-old, is playing like one of the best center-backs in Europe.
As being reported by Christian Falk of Sport Bild, Bayern Munich is still keeping a close eye on Brighton & Hove Albion center-back Luka Vuskovic as they plan ahead for the future of their defense. The Croatian had an incredible season on loan at Hamburg last season, and that earned him a high-profile move to Brighton, where he is quickly establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
After being linked with Bayern twice, is the third time the charm?
Bayern had previously been linked with Vuskovic when he was a youth player but never made a move for the defender, who ended up joining Tottenham Hotspur but has spent little time actually playing for the Premier League side, and who can blame him. As mentioned earlier, he spent last season on loan at Hamburg, where he showed he has all the makings to be one of the best center-backs of this next generation, and has kept that form up this season in the Premier League.
After his standout season, Brighton & Hove Albion brought him in for around €54 million, and based on his play so far, that may prove to be a bargain. Brighton currently sits third in the Premier League, with the defender chipping in a goal and an assist. He's proved to be a rock in the backline and is exactly the kind of player Bayern needs to bring in if they want to secure the future of their defense for years to come.
The 19-year-old has all the characteristics to be the next great center-back at the Allianz Arena; he's tall (6'4), physical, good with the ball at his feet, can be an aerial threat, and isn't afraid to make a tackle, in an era where many up-and-coming defenders aren't known much for their defending. The only knock some have on Vuskovic is that he may not be quick enough for the high-line system Vincent Kompany likes to play, but if there's anyone who will know if a defender fits his system, it's Kompany himself ; after all, he knows a thing or two about what makes a good defender.
Bayern has been linked with a move for the defender on two different occasions, but nothing ever materialized ; but hopefully, for the club, the third time's the charm. He's still only 19-years-old so there's still plenty of time for Bayern to make a move, but from the club's perspective, it would be smart to move sooner rather than later. His value is only going to keep going up, and we all know Brighton love to get a fortune when they sell their players, so for Bayern's sake, making a move for Vuskovic next summer would be the best move they could make.
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