Bayern Munich have looked solid in the midfield this season, courtesy of the good form of Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic. Leon Goretzka and Tom Bischof have also stepped up in the center of the park for Bayern whenever they have been called upon.
Goretzka delivered two impressive performances last week against Atalanta and Union Berlin. Despite his recent form, there will be no U-turn from Bayern when it comes to his contract situation. He is set to leave Munich on a free transfer at the end of the season.
The Bavarian club is keeping tabs on several midfielders to replace Goretzka. However, there is a good possibility that they will replace the German midfielder with an academy graduate. Bayern recently confirmed that Noël Aséko Nkili will return to Munich in the summer.
Hannover had taken up the option to sign Aséko permanently, but Die Roten have activated the buyback clause they had inserted in the deal last summer. Aséko is expected to be part of the first team next season.
Aséko has been in fine form for Hannover this season. The youngster has scored three goals and provided five assists in 26 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga. His incredible form led to Hannover’s decision to activate the option to sign him permanently. However, Bayern have moved quickly to activate the buyback.
Sky Sports in Germany is reporting that Aséko’s future at Bayern remains open. He will be part of the squad for the pre-season tour. However, a transfer away from Munich remains a possibility if a suitable offer comes up.
Bayern Munich not expected to spend heavily in the summer
Bayern are not looking at superstar midfield players to replace Goretzka. They have been largely linked with young players like Club Brugge’s Nathan De Cat and Hertha Berlin’s Kennet Eichhorn. The recent reports in Germany have suggested Bayern want to continue their conservative approach in the transfer market, like they did last summer.
If Aséko impresses in the pre-season, Bayern would continue with him for next season. Vincent Kompany has done a good job in terms of giving young players game time this season. Aséko may not start every game, but he will certainly get chances to make a case for himself to become a crucial midfielder for Die Roten.
The key priority for Bayern will be to add a full-back and a deputy for Luis Diaz in the summer. The other transfers will potentially depend on departures during the transfer window.
Stats courtesy- Whoscored