Bayern Munich will dip into the transfer market at the end of the season to strengthen the midfield department. The Bavarian club recently ended speculation around the future of Leon Goretzka by confirming his departure at the end of the season. Goretzka was subject to bids from Atletico Madrid and Arsenal, but he wanted to end the campaign with Bayern.
The record Bundesliga champions will have to look for Goretzka’s replacement in the summer. They have been heavily linked with Club Brugge midfielder Nathan De Cat during the first half of the season. In recent weeks, Hertha’s teenage midfield sensation Kennet Eichhorn has been touted to be a midfield target for Bayern.
It looks certain that Bayern will look for a younger midfielder to replace Goretzka. It is not surprising to see them linked with De Cat and Eichhorn, as both players tick the boxes in terms of the midfield profile the squad needs in the summer.
Bayern legend Lothar Matthaus believes that a Bundesliga star can be an ideal replacement for Goretzka. The former German international told Bild that Bayern should explore a deal to sign Xaver Schlager from RB Leipzig. Matthaus believes Schlager will be an ideal fit for Die Roten and bring a similar work rate as his compatriot, Konrad Laimer.
Schlager will be a free agent in the summer as he decided against signing a new deal at Leipzig. He can make a move to Munich on a free transfer just like Laimer did in 2023.
"Since Leon Goretzka is leaving Munich, Schlager could be a good fit. He's available on a free transfer, has international experience, and has known the Bundesliga for years. And in Leipzig, he's not just responsible for the physical work, but also contributes to the team's attacking play. "Lothar Matthaus
Schlager doesn’t fit the age profile of the midfield signing for Bayern
There are no doubts about the quality of Xave Schlager. His departure at the end of the season will be a big blow for RB Leipzig. The Austrian midfielder will certainly add quality and experience to Die Roten’s squad.
However, the 28-year-old doesn’t align with the age profile of the midfielders Bayern are looking to replace Goretzka. It does look like the Bavarian club wants to build the midfield around the young players like Aleksandar Pavlovic, Tom Bischof, and the experienced player Joshua Kimmich. Schlager will be a stopgap midfield signing for Die Roten. The Bavarian club will be better served by signing a young midfielder who can be a mainstay in the starting XI on a long-term basis.
It will be intriguing to see how Bayern manage the budget for a midfield signing this summer, as they are also keen on adding a center-back and a left winger to the squad.