Mainz not expecting summer transfer for Bayern Munich target

Bayern Munich have been busy in June as they are simultaneously working on several deals to strengthen the squad. PSG’s Xavi Simons is their top target to improve the attacking options, but there has also been contact with Crystal Palace to explore a transfer for Michael Olise.

Along with star names, Bayern are also interested in Mainz’s Brajan Gruda to strengthen the attack. They have already held preliminary talks with the German forward. However, there have been no concrete talks with Mainz regarding the transfer.

Mainz are under no pressure to sell one of their top talents this summer. They are in control of the situation since Gruda has two years left on his contract. Mainz can promise him adequate playing time next season, which strengthens their case for keeping him at the club.

Apart from their desire to keep Gruda, Mainz are not expecting movement from clubs for him due to their high transfer demands. While talking to Bild, Mainz’s director of football, Christian Heidel, ruled out a transfer for Gruda unless a club comes up with a monumental offer for him. Bild has reported that Mainz will sanction a move for a fee above €50 million.

"The plan is for him to stay for another year. We will only consider letting him go this year if there's a really exceptional offer."

- Christian Heidel (Mainz DOF)

Gruda made 29 appearances for Mainz last season across all competitions. In 28 Bundesliga games, Gruda chipped in with four goals and three assists. He was one of the key reasons for Mainz’s comfortable survival in the Bundesliga. (Stats courtesy: Whoscored)

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder has admitted that joining Bayern will be a dream come true for him. However, he will be better served by staying at Mainz for one more season. Getting consistent game time in the Bundesliga will help him to become more productive in the final third. He will struggle to get adequate playing time at Die Roten.

Considering the other needs in the transfer market, Bayern cannot afford to blow away €50 million on a young forward. They will revisit a transfer for Gruda in a year when he will have one year left on his contract.

Die Roten want to strengthen the attack by replacing Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry. The two senior wingers will be allowed to leave Munich this summer. The transfer fees from these two departures will help Bayern to get a top-quality wide player.

Elsewhere, Bayern are looking to complete a move for Fulham’s Joao Palhinha. The Bavarian club had two bids rejected for the Portuguese midfielder, but there is optimism that an agreement over the transfer fee will be reached sooner rather than later. They also remain in talks with Bayer Leverkusen for Jonathan Tah.