The search for a new coach at Bayern Munich is finally coming to an end. After missing out on Xabi Alonso and Julian Nagelsmann, Bayern have identified Ralf Rangnick as the replacement of Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season.
According to Sky Sports in Germany, Bayern are planning to conclude talks with Rangnick and the Austrian football federation later this week. The Bavarian club initially wanted to announce the new coach by the end of April. The failed pursuits of Alonso and Nagelsmann made sure Bayern didn’t meet this deadline.
Rangnick has already confirmed talks with Bayern. The German coach had previously ruled out a move to Bavaria when Nagelsmann was expected to join Die Roten. However, things have significantly changed in the last ten days.
The Bavarian club is not expecting problems in negotiations with the Austrian football federation. However, one report in Germany has suggested that Bayern may have to cough up a significant fee to get Rangnick. The Austrian football federation will use the fee Bayern paid to get Nagelsmann in 2021 as the benchmark for the negotiations.
Despite Rangnick’s vast experience in the Bundesliga, it will be an underwhelming appointment for Bayern. They were looking to bring stability to the coaching position. With Rangnick, they are looking at a shorter tenure than a long-term spell at the club. Moreover, the 65-year-old coach has not consistently coached at the club level in the past five years.
Rangnick will arrive in Munich later in the summer since he will manage the Austrian national team at the European Championship. It remains to be seen how much control he will have regarding transfers. Rangnick may want a significant influence in transfer dealings since he has worked a lot in player recruitment roles over the last decade.
Since Bayern are planning a squad overhaul in the summer, Rangnick will want a big say in the squad that he will coach from next season. His arrival may impact the futures of several senior players. After losing the Bundesliga title to Bayer Leverkusen, the Bavarian club is ready to make tough decisions in the summer.
Along with nearing an agreement for Rangnick, Bayern are also working on summer transfers. They want to strengthen the defense by signing Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen. Die Roten have reportedly held talks with the representatives of the German defender. With one year left on his contract, Bayern will look to sign him for a reasonable fee. Bayer Leverkusen are eager to keep the star defender for next season.