Bayern Munich have made significant changes in the defense during the summer transfer window. The Bavarian club quickly wrapped up a deal to sign Hiroki Ito from VfB Stuttgart at the start of the summer. The Japanese defender was part of the defense at VfB Stuttgart, who finished above Bayern in the Bundesliga last season.
Die Roten parted ways with Matthijs de Ligt last weekend. The German club wanted to sell the Dutch defender to trim their wage bill. Bayern are yet to sign a replacement for De Ligt, but it is clear that Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah is their top target for replacing the Dutch defender.
Over the weekend, one media outlet in England reported that Bayern are one of the clubs interested in the versatile defender Joe Gomez from Liverpool. Gomez was left out of the matchday squad against Ipswich on Saturday as he is assessing options in the transfer market.
The English defender will not be moving to Munich despite interest from Bayern. According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, Bayern have no plans to make a move for Gomez before the transfer deadline day.
Jonathan Tah or bust for Bayern in defense
Plettenberg also reported that barring any extraordinary circumstances Jonathan Tah is the only center-back target for Die Roten until the end of the transfer window. Tah has already agreed personal terms with Bayern, but negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen have been far from straightforward.
Leverkusen had set a deadline for Bayern ten days ago to complete a move for Tah. Despite Bayern allowing the deadline to pass by, Bayer Leverkusen remain open to do business for Tah since the German defender has no intention to sign a new deal. Tah has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Bayer Leverkusen.
The defending Bundesliga champions had verbally agreed on a package of €30 million (€25 million fixed plus €5 million in bonuses) for Tah. However, Bayern hierarchy are not ready to sanction this fee for the German defender, who can join them on a free transfer next summer. A move for Tah will materialize for Bayern if Bayer Leverkusen bring down their asking fee.
Bayern Munich are starting the Bundesliga campaign with three fit center-backs in the squad. Hiroki Ito will have to wait for his Bundesliga debut after he broke his foot during a pre-season friendly game. As things stand, Kim Min-jae and Dayot Upamecano will start against Wolfsburg on Sunday in the first Bundesliga game of the season. Eric Dier will be the center-back option from the bench for Bayern.