Bayern Munich missed out on their top target this summer as RB Leipzig confirmed the arrival of Xavi Simons on loan from Paris Saint-Germain on Monday. The Dutch attacking midfielder had held talks with Bayern, but RB Leipzig eventually won the race for his signature.
The Bavarian club retains interest in Simons since he will return to PSG at the end of next season. However, Bayern will not have Simons as their priority target for the next summer transfer window.
According to Sky Sports in Germany, Bayern have identified Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz to strengthen their attacking midfield position. The German international is expected to be on the transfer market next year. If a move for Wirtz doesn’t materialize, Bayern will switch their attention to Simons.
Wirtz was one of the most exciting attacking players in the Bundesliga last season. The German international was a key player for Xabi Alonso in a double-winning campaign. Wirtz ended the campaign with 15 goals and 15 assists for Leverkusen across all competitions. (Stats courtesy: Whoscored)
Bayern have been long-term admirers of Wirtz
Bayern have been consistently linked with Wirtz in the last four seasons. The young midfielder suffered a serious setback with a cruciate ligament injury in 2022. However, Die Roten remained interested in making a future move for Wirtz.
Wirtz’s contract at Bayer Leverkusen expires in 2027. He could become the first German player to cost €100 million in the transfer market if his performances continue upward trajectory next season.
Bayern will not hesitate to pay a blockbuster fee for Wirtz since he can become part of the team’s spine for a decade. He has already formed a strong partnership with Jamal Musiala for the German national team. The Bavarian club will face competition from other big clubs in Europe for Wirtz, but they will be eager to avoid missing out on one of the star German players.
Wirtz may complete the overhaul of the attacking department of the squad at Bayern. They have already signed Michael Olise from Crystal Palace this summer. Die Roten are also confident about signing Désiré Doué from Rennes before the end of the transfer window. The Bavarian club will have a strong core of young attacking players if they manage to sign Wirtz next summer and move on senior wingers like Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry. Leroy Sane will remain as one senior wide player in the squad, while Thomas Muller may retire at the end of the next season.