It is going to be a fascinating summer transfer window for Bayern Munich. They are planning several changes in the squad after a disappointing season. The Bavarian club is already negotiating with Fulham for Joao Palhinha. He is Bayern’s top priority target to improve the midfield options for the next season.
Meanwhile, Bayern are also monitoring the situation of several attacking players in the market. They are ready to part ways with Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry if adequate offers arrive in the summer. Mainz winger Brajan Gruda is one of the attacking players linked with a move to Bavaria.
According to Sky Sports in Germany, Bayern have already held preliminary talks with the young winger. However, Mainz are confident about keeping the player for next season. They are yet to open talks with any club for a potential transfer in the summer. The youngster recently admitted that it would be a dream come true if he secures a move to Bayern.
Gruda enjoyed a terrific campaign with Mainz. He made 28 Bundesliga appearances, accumulating over 1500 minutes of game time in Germany’s top division. The 20-year-old forward also had seven goal contributions (four goals and three assists) for Mainz in the Bundesliga. (Stats courtesy- Whoscored)
- @BILD asked Brajan Gruda whether a move to Bayern is a lifelong dream for him, his answer: "Absolutely. Every footballer dreams of playing for Bayern as a kid" pic.twitter.com/6PIMPpkNHd
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) June 6, 2024
The young forward was training with the German squad in the last couple of weeks to help the senior team prepare for the Euros. Mainz have the leverage to ask for a significant transfer fee since Gruda’s current deal doesn’t expire until 2026.
Gruda will get guaranteed playing time at Mainz next season. The same cannot be said about Bayern. There is significant competition for game time in the attack. Bryan Zaragoza arrived in January from Real Zaragoza, but he made only nine appearances during Ruckrunde. Gruda will be better served by staying one more season at Mainz.
Apart from Gruda, Bayern have been heavily linked with PSG’s Xavi Simons. The Dutch attacker is reportedly Die Roten’s top target to strengthen the attack. PSG is reluctant to sell Simons after his impressive loan spell at RB Leipzig. It will be a difficult transfer for Bayern to complete this summer.
Bayern also have RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo on their list of targets, while VfB Stuttgart’s Chris Führich would prefer a move to Bavaria over other options. The Bavarian club is also keeping a close eye on Nico Williams’ situation at Athletic Bilbao. After securing a deal for Palhinha, Die Roten will likely make concrete moves to strengthen the attack.