Bayern Munich added experience to their defense during the last summer transfer window by signing Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen. The German defender has seamlessly adapted to the new club and formed a strong partnership with Dayot Upamecano.
With speculation around the futures of Kim Min-jae and Dayot Upamecano, Die Roten are expected to dip in the summer transfer market to sign a new center-back.
The Bavarian club has missed out on one of their key targets in defense. Marc Guehi left Crystal Palace to join Manchester City during the winter transfer window. Die Roten had held talks with him for a free transfer in the summer.
Bayern have to look at other options if they decide to sign a new center-back. According to TZ (via iMiaSanMia), Bayern are keeping a close eye on Tottenham Hotspur defender Luka Vuskovic. The 18-year-old defender is currently on loan at Hamburger SV. He has been one of the impressive young defenders in the Bundesliga this season.
Die Roten will face a lot of competition for Vuskovic since several clubs across Europe are keeping a close eye on his development. Vuskovic has already admitted that he will make a decision regarding his future after the World Cup.
Considering he has several years left on his contract at Spurs, Bayern will have to pay a sizeable fee for Vuskovic in the summer transfer window.
Bayern can follow the approach of signing a young defender to replace senior center-backs
Vuskovic will be an intriguing buy for Bayern since he has much less experience than the player he may replace at Bayern.
Considering the current personnel of the squad, Bayern can certainly sign a player like Vuskovic to replace either Upamecano or Kim Min-jaw. The Croatian will effectively be the fourth/fifth choice center-back since Hiroki Ito and Josip Stanisic can also play in the heart of defense.
From Vuskovic’s point of view, a move to Bayern will be an enticing option. However, his game time will be initially lesser than what he is getting at Hamburger SV this season. He does have the potential to be a mainstay in Bayern’s defense. Considering how Lennart Karl has broken into the first team at Bayern this season, Vuskovic will also have ideal conditions to excel in Bavaria if a transfer materializes.
Die Roten have reportedly given Upamecano a deadline of mid-February to make a decision on the club’s contract offer. As things stand, he will become a free agent in the summer. Meanwhile, Bayern are reportedly open to listening to offers for Kim Min-jae in the summer. Die Roten’s plans for signing a new defender will be clearer by the time they reach the business end of the season.