Adding more quality to the attack is a top priority for Bayern Munich next summer. The Bavarian club has made Florian Wirtz their top target for next summer, but they are open to adding more forwards to the squad. Lille’s Jonathan David has reportedly emerged as one of the players Bayern are keenly following with the view of making a move next summer.
David is likely to be available on a free transfer next summer. The Canadian was linked with Chelsea last summer, but he ended up staying at the Ligue 1 club. The 24-year-old striker is ready to take the next step in his career.
Bayern have a good record when it comes to poaching free agents in the last decade. Sky Sports in Germany has reported that Bayern are keeping a close eye on David since the future of Mathys Tel is uncertain, and they need a strong backup striker for Harry Kane.
🚨🔴 Max Eberl has been following Jonathan #David for several years and has always kept an eye on him, including now at FC Bayern as revealed.
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 17, 2024
What makes him so interesting for Bayern is that the 24-year-old striker is most likely coming onto the market on a free transfer next… pic.twitter.com/AYDpAH1ize
Despite Bayern’s strong interest, the Bavarian club is not the top destination for David ahead of becoming a free agent in the summer. While talking to The Athletic this week, David revealed his dream of playing for FC Barcelona.
"Barcelona was always the team I grew up supporting. When you grow up supporting a team, it’s your dream to play for them!"Jonathan David
Bayern are unlikely to spend big on a striker in the summer
David is a unique market opportunity for Bayern since he will be available on a free transfer. The Bavarian club is making succession plans for Harry Kane, but they are unlikely to spend big next summer for a striker. A big-money striker may arrive in 2026 when Kane could look to return to England.
The Canadian striker will be an astute piece of business for Bayern since he can play across the front three and behind the number nine. He will provide solid cover for Kane if a move materializes in the summer. If Die Roten fail to sign him, they are unlikely to spend big for another striker.
The majority of next summer’s transfer budget will be spent on Florian Wirtz. Bayern don’t want to miss out on a top German talent like they did with Leroy Sane in 2016. Sane went on to thrive under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City before joining Die Roten in 2020. Wirtz is wanted by Manchester City and Real Madrid, but Bayern remain a strong contender to sign him next summer. In such a scenario, the second attacking signing needs to be someone like David, who will arrive on a free transfer.
David may have expressed a desire to play for FC Barcelona. However, it remains to be seen if the interest is mutual. The Spanish club already has plenty of depth in attacking positions. Bayern are not out of the running to sign him.