With the FIFA Club World Cup scheduled to kick off in less than two weeks in the United States, Bayern Munich face numerous personnel challenges ahead of their opening game against Auckland City on June 15. Whilst Bayern did well to sign Jonathan Tah to partially alleviate the lack of personnel in the defensive department, notwithstanding Leverkusen’s unwillingness to release him before the start of the Club World Cup, the same cannot be said for Bayern’s attacking department.
Apart from Jamal Musiala who is still recovering from a hamstring injury suffered a few months, but still hopeful of being fit in time for the start of the tournament, Bayern’s attack is not as short on numbers as its defense. However, the attack is still in need of an overhaul on the left-wing.
Over the course of the recently concluded season, the only winger who consistently looked world-class was Michael Olise on the right wing. On the left flank, the veteran trio of Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sané, and Serge Gnabry occasionally impressed when given the chance, but by and large neither one could match the excellence of Olise.
As things currently stand, Bayern’s hands are somewhat tied in terms of an upgrade on the left flank. In the case of Coman, the player is willing to part ways with Die Roten. However, finding a buyer in a suitable destination at the right price remains a challenge.
Whilst Coman is willing to move on under the right conditions, Sané prefers an extension to his contract, which ends 30 June, to remain at the club. However, despite having previously expressed the willingness to accept a reduced salary, Sané has refused the package that the club has offered and his new agent-Pini Zahavi is currently in talks with other clubs for a potential move ahead of next season.
As things currently stand, the 29-year-old German winger could be part of Bayern’s squad when the Club World Cup kicks off, but he may not be part of it for too much longer after the start of the tournament. In the case of Serge Gnabry, the player is intent on seeing out his contract that ends on 30 June 2026.
Bayern need money from sales to buy new players
The Bayern chiefs want to generate funds from player sales to be able to purchase new players. However, after missing out on the acquisition of Florian Wirtz from Leverkusen, they now find themselves in somewhat of a bind. Potential targets, like AC Milan’s Rafael Leão, are currently not available for much less than Wirtz.
In a perfect world, before June 10 (the close of the special June transfer window), the record German Champions would find a suitable buyer for Kingsley Coman and bring an end to the drawn-out situation with Leroy Sané, and also purchase a world-class left-winger and maybe even a backup striker or a player that can play both positions equally well. Additionally, convincing Leverkusen to release Jonathan Tah, for a reasonable fee, before June 10 would also be welcomed. For now, however, each of these scenarios remains wishful thinking.