As reported by Bild (via AZ), Bayern Munich have seven-star players from the Bundesliga, Premier League, Serie A, and La Liga on their summer transfer shortlist.
For the first time in twelve years, Bayern Munich will end a campaign without lifting a piece of silverware. An embarrassing early elimination from the DFB-Pokal at the hands of FC Saarbrücken was followed up by a heartbreaking defeat in the Champions League semi-final stage to Real Madrid.
However, what Der Rekordmeister will feel most agitated by is the way in which Bayer Leverkusen have romped their way to a maiden Bundesliga title. As it appears Die Werkself will complete the Bundesliga’s first-ever unbeaten season, Bayern understand that a serious overhaul of the playing squad will be required this summer.
Therefore, those at the Säbener Straße have created a shortlist of seven players that they will aim to sign this summer.
Defensive reinforcement
One area in which Bayern have been significantly vulnerable this season is their defence. With injuries plaguing their backline throughout the course of the campaign, the record champions were forced into signing former Tottenham centre-back Eric Dier in January.
However, the Englishman has proved to be a remarkable piece of business, ushering Kim Min-Jae and Dayot Upamecano out of the picture. Nevertheless, with the aforementioned pair struggling to find consistency, Bayern have identified Jonathan Tah as a possible target this summer.
The Leverkusen centre-back has been integral to their success this season, and with Leverkusen unlikely to let him leave, it will be interesting to see whether Bayern secure his signature. As well as Tah, Bayern are still monitoring AC Milan left-back Theo Hernández ahead of a potential move should Alphonso Davies leave for Real Madrid.
A rejuvenated midfield
It has long been reported that Bayern are keen to find a holding midfielder to add much-needed protection for their backline, and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong has consistently been linked to the club. With an overhaul expected to occur, Der Rekordmeister could finally make the Dutchman theirs.
As well as de Jong, Everton, and former Hamburg midfielder Amadou Onana, is reported to be of interest to those in Bavaria. However, as informed by Florian Plettenberg, while Bayern possess an interest in Onana, there is nothing concrete at this stage.
Moving further forward, in the more creative areas, Schalke’s Assan Ouédraogo remains a key target for Bayern, but on-loan RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons is also understood to be a target for the record champions at the end of the campaign.
Nevertheless, with recent reports linking Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes to the club, it is unlikely that more than two of these creative talents are lured to the Allianz Arena. On top of this, with Serge Gnabry appearing to be on his way out of Bavaria, Stuttgart winger Chris Führich could be signed as his replacement.
Regardless, the German international is also rumoured to move to Chelsea, meaning that Bayern does face competition for his services. Ultimately, a busy summer is on the horizon for those at the Säbener Straße, but with their targets identified, it is just about ensuring they can secure their services quickly ahead of an important campaign for the club.
GGFN | Will Shopland
