Bayern Munich suffered a significant blow to their summer transfer plans this week as Liverpool have won the race for Florian Wirtz. The Merseyside club has reached an agreement with the player, and they have opened talks with Bayer Leverkusen for the transfer fee.
The Bavarian club was confident about signing Wirtz a few weeks ago after starting the groundwork since the Champions League round of 16 clash against Bayer Leverkusen. However, Wirtz’s trip to Liverpool last week certainly dashed Die Roten’s hopes of getting him.
Since signing Wirtz is not possible this summer, Bayern will have to look at other options to strengthen the attack. The 22-year-old German star was expected to be the long-term successor of Thomas Muller since he can play on either flank or also slot in the number ten position behind the striker.
In terms of backup options, it looks like Bayern have no plans to make a move for Xavi Simons. According to SportBild (via iMiaSanMia), Bayern are not planning to explore the transfer of Simons from RB Leipzig.
The Dutch forward was heavily linked with Bayern last summer when they tried to sign him alongside Desire Doue. Die Roten failed to sign both players for different reasons. Simons is looking for a transfer this summer, but Bayern have no plans to join the race for him.
Bayern planning to sign wingers
Instead of going for a versatile attacking midfielder, it looks like Bayern will be in the market for wingers. The Bundesliga champions have registered interest in Kaoru Mitoma. The Japanese winger can leave Brighton for €50 million in the summer.
Die Roten may also have to sign an additional winger if Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman end up leaving Munich. Sane has rejected a contract proposal from Bayern after appointing Pini Zahavi to sort his future. The German winger is attracting interest from several clubs across Europe.
Kingsley Coman is reportedly open to leaving Bayern this summer. The French winger was heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia last summer, while Turkish clubs also showed interest in him. Coman will not be short of options in the summer.
In such a scenario, Bayern will have to spend money allocated for Wirtz on two wingers, and the rest of the signings will depend on departures. They have already clinched the signing of Jonathan Tah to strengthen the defense. Bayern are negotiating with Bayer Leverkusen to get Tah in the squad for the Club World Cup.