Bayern Munich strengthened the defense in the summer by focusing on the left-back position since Raphael Guerreiro left on a free transfer. Nathaniel Brown arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt for €55 million to replace the Portuguese full-back at Bayern.
The defending Bundesliga champions made no other defensive signings as they were focusing on adding players in midfield and attack. They were well covered in central defense and the right-back position. Josip Stanisic and Konrad Laimer have been sharing responsibility for the right-back position in the first team this season.
Despite having adequate options in defense, Bayern are not stopping at scouring the opportunities in the transfer market to get better. The murmurs from Spanish media suggest that they are keeping close tabs on one defender’s situation at Atletico Madrid.
According to Sport, Bayern are keeping a close eye on the situation of Marcos Llorente at Atletico Madrid. The Spaniard has entered the final year of his current deal. Atletico Madrid want to extend Llorente’s contract, but negotiations are not yet at an advanced stage. Llorente can talk to clubs outside La Liga in January about joining on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Llorente has been a trusted lieutenant of Diego Simeone at Atletico over the last seven years. He can play as a full-back, midfielder, and even as a forward. The Spaniard’s versatility gives Simeone and Atletico Madrid great tactical flexibility. He is also a sound leader in the dressing room.
The 31-year-old was also part of the Spanish squad that won the World Cup in the summer. Considering his versatility and experience, he will be a great signing on a free transfer for several clubs in Europe.
Bayern need a younger right-back instead of Llorente
There is no doubt about Llorente’s qualities, and he can certainly improve Bayern’s squad. However, the Bavarian club has plenty of experience across their defense. They would be better served by signing a young right-back instead of signing Llorente.
Unless there is a significant injury to Stanisic or Laimer, it doesn’t make sense to sign Llorente. When it comes to midfield, Die Roten have a good blend of youth and experience, so he wouldn’t be an ideal central midfielder for Vincent Kompany’s squad at this point.
It will be a significant surprise if Bayern ends up pursuing a move for Llorente, even if he is available on a free transfer. Considering how long he has stayed at Atletico Madrid and how crucial he is to Diego Simeone’s plans, there is a good chance he ends up signing a new deal.
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