The first big change at Bayern Munich for next season was announced last week. The club chiefs decided to part ways with Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season. The German coach paid the price for poor performances in February as Die Roten lost ground in the Bundesliga title race.
Tuchel faced the brunt for poor performances on the pitch, but the club chiefs believe that players are responsible for several defeats this season. Bayern are expected to make tough decisions in the summer to complete an upheaval in the first team.
According to Kicker (via iMiaSanMia), Bayern is expected to sell up to five players in the summer transfer window. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Bouna Sarr will not be part of this list as they are leaving Die Roten on free transfers.
The Bavarian club is looking to add young and hungry players to the squad that can help them achieve sustained success. Die Roten will need funds to complete this upheaval, so cashing in for a few senior players will be on the club’s agenda in the summer.
Who could be these five players?
Kicker has not explicitly mentioned names that will be sold by Bayern in the summer. Going by the reports and performances of players over the season, the list of five players can be predicted.
In the defense, Alphonso Davies and Matthijs de Ligt could be the major departures. Contract talks with Davies have been frustrating for Die Roten. Real Madrid reportedly have a verbal agreement with the Canadian full-back for a summer transfer. It does look like Davies will be playing for Los Blancos in the summer. Meanwhile, Matthijs de Ligt has been linked with a move away from Bavaria due to lack of playing time under Thomas Tuchel this season. Unless the new head coach makes him first choice central defender, the Dutch international will look for a transfer.
Joshua Kimmich has less than 18 months left on his contract. Several reports in Germany have suggested that the German midfielder may look for a new adventure in the summer. Bayern are also reportedly not considering Kimmich’s departure an unrealistic proposition. Leon Goretzka’s future at Die Roten has been far from certain. If Bayern end up signing a couple of midfielders in the summer, Goretzka may have to make space for them in the squad.
In the attacking department, Serge Gnabry’s position is vulnerable. The German forward has struggled with form and injury. He did have a good end to the last season, but his performances in the last 18 months have been inconsistent. It wouldn’t be a big surprise if Gnabry makes way for a new forward in the squad.