Bayern Munich went into the summer transfer window with signing a midfielder top of their priority list. The Bavarian club struggled in midfield last season, specifically away from home. Bayern signed Joao Palhinha from Fulham to address this issue. However, they also had an interest in another midfielder from England.
While talking to the Square Ball Podcast (via iMiaSanMia), Leeds United CEO Angus Kinnear admitted that Bayern Munich and Real Madrid had shown interest in Archie Gray. The 18-year-old midfielder was impressive for Leeds last season, which sparked interest from several clubs in Europe.
Gray eventually completed a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer for a reported fee close to £40 million. He was also subject to concrete interest from Brentford, but Gray preferred a move to Spurs. Kinnear believes that Gray will eventually play for a club like Bayern or Real Madrid in the future.
"Real Madrid were interested in Archie Gray, Bayern Munich were interested. The way we were able to keep him in January was threefold. Archie Gray is a player who will ultimately play for Real Madrid or Bayern Munich."Angus Kinnear, Leeds United CEO
The 18-year-old can play in multiple positions across defense and midfield. Gray is athletic and has great game intelligence for his age. He can play in central midfield, defensive midfield, and full-back positions. Bayern will certainly keep an eye on Gray’s progress at Tottenham Hotspur.
Bayern will need young midfielders next summer
Bayern planned a squad overhaul this summer, but the sales didn’t go as per plan. The midfield department would have been significantly bolstered if Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka had left the club. The Bavarian club was ready to sell both midfielders, but they didn’t actively look to leave Munich this summer.
However, Bayern will have to think about a midfield rebuild next summer since Kimmich and Goretzka will be 30. There is a good possibility that Goretzka will leave Die Roten in January or summer. Palhinha and Laimer will be in late 20s. Aleksandar Pavlovic will be the only midfielder who will be below 25 at Die Roten next summer.
Midfielders like Gray would be ideal signings for Bayern in the next couple of transfer windows. However, they may not make an approach for Gray since Spurs will ask for a very big fee. Die Roten already experienced the complexity of negotiations with Spurs to buy a quality player when they signed Harry Kane in 2023. Bayern will look for more affordable options to start the midfield overhaul next summer.