Bayern Munich: Frans Kratzig remains open about his future

Thomas Tuchel has been involving younger players from Campus in the first team since the squad was short on numbers due to a poor end to the summer transfer window. Aleksandar Pavlovic has had a good run in the team, courtesy of senior absentees. Bayern Munich want to see more players stepping from the campus to the first team in the coming years, so Pavlovic’s performances should please the club hierarchy.

Along with Pavlovic, Frans Kratzig has also been training with the first team. He scored a brilliant goal for Die Roten against Liverpool during the pre-season tour. Kratzig made his Bundesliga and Champions League debuts during Ruckrunde.

The youngster is primarily a midfielder, but he can also play in the left-back position. Courtesy of his impressive performances in training and first team, Bayern secured Kratzig’s future in October by extending his contract until 2025.

Despite making his debut during the first half of the season, all options are open for Kratzig going into the winter transfer window. In a recent interview with Kicker, Kratzig admitted that he wouldn’t be against a loan move in January if Bayern feels regular playing time is necessary for him.

""If FC Bayern says they need me [in the second half of the season], then I will be at the door at 7 a.m. and say: 'Here I am'. - If both sides want it, then we can also think about a loan.""

- Frans Kratzig

Kratzig also admitted that he is currently absorbing everything from training sessions with world-class players. The youngster also had special words for Harry Kane. Kratzig has been inspired by Kane’s professionalism on and off the pitch.

Bayern may keep Kratzig in the squad until the end of the season. They have been often left short in defense, so it makes sense to keep a youngster around the squad. With Raphael Guerreiro expected in midfield for a few games, Kratzig can be a good understudy to Alphonso Davies in the left-back position.

The Bavarian club should look to sort a good loan move for Kratzig in the summer. His first season at the top level should be all about learning from top players in training. A loan transfer to a Bundesliga club where he can play regularly should be the next step in Kratzig’s development.

With speculation increasing about the future of Davies at Bayern, the club needs to be prepared with the succession plan. Kratzig can be a potential solution to be the long-term replacement of Davies if his development is handled well by Bayern. The youngster looks driven to succeed at Die Roten, so it is just about how coaches and Bayern get the best out of him.