Bayern Munich received a significant boost to their transfer funds over the weekend as they agreed on deals to sell Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. The former Ajax defenders left Bayern on Monday to complete their moves to Manchester United. With medicals completed, only official announcements are left to seal the two deals.
Die Roten will earn a guaranteed fee of €60 million from the sales of De Ligt and Mazraoui. The Bavarian club doesn’t need a replacement for Mazraoui since there are already two right-backs in the squad. They can spend the bulk of the money raised by sales on signing a replacement for De Ligt.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah has been Bayern’s top target for strengthening the defense throughout the summer. The two clubs have reportedly agreed to a price for the German defender, but there are still significant doubts about the transfer going through.
According to Bild (via iMiaSanMia), Bayern chiefs are not sure about signing Tah from Bayer Leverkusen. The last offer from Bayern went in seven weeks ago, which raises concerns about the transfer falling through. Bayer Leverkusen are open to doing business, but they are not ruling out keeping Tah for next season.
Can Bayern go next season without replacing De Ligt?
If a move for Jonathan Tah is ruled out, Bayern have the opportunity to explore the transfer market for another option. They can also take the risk of going a season without adding one more center-back.
In the current squad, Bayern have four senior center-backs. Hiroki Ito is out until October, but he will get significant game time once he returns to action. Kim Min-jae has a big role to play this season, while Dayot Upamecano will stay in Munich despite speculation about his future. Eric Dier activated the contract extension clause last season, keeping him in Munich until next summer.
Apart from four natural center-back options, Vincent Kompany can also use Leon Goretzka and Josip Stanisic in central defense. The Belgian coach certainly has several options in central defense. Bayern can cope without signing a replacement for De Ligt for a season.
Bayern’s transfer business in terms of incomings might be over for the summer. Paris Saint-Germain managed to beat Die Roten for the signing of Désiré Doué. As of now, the Bavarian club doesn’t have any active targets to strengthen the attack. With uncertainty around the possible transfer of Tah, Bayern may end this summer with three senior signings.