Bayern Munich is a club in a mini-crisis and Premier League clubs such as Manchester United and Arsenal could benefit from this.
Despite sitting well at the top of the Bundesliga with a four-point lead over reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen, the future of some of their stars is up in the air. As it stands, a total of seven stars will leave the club this summer as their contracts expire.
This includes legendary figures Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller, although the pair are expected to be offered new deals. Discussions are already underway over the World Cup-winning goalkeeper, while the decision whether to keep Müller will rest with the forward.
“The talks with Thomas will certainly be very short,” Bayern director Max Eberl told Sky Germany last week. “There won't be any lengthy negotiations. It's just a matter of, 'Hey, do you want to continue or not?'
“Thomas is an iconic figure at FC Bayern and will remain so. He has experienced everything at this club and he is extremely important to us.”
The hesitation over Müller's future comes eight years after an £85 move to United was rejected. Müller clarified the failed move, saying: “Bayern have clearly rejected the whole thing, despite this crazy offer from United. [But it was a] huge show of confidence from Bayern.”
And while Müller is now unlikely to be a target for the Red Devils, an intriguing opportunity could still arise at the Allianz Arena. Canadian full-back Alphonso Davies was strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford during Erik ten Hag's spell.
His contract still expires this summer and so far it seems like an agreement is still a long way off. Eberl said, “Patience is not one of my qualities. The conversations are good and open, discussions are part of that. It's legit. We will continue to try to make the best decision. The discussions are still ongoing.”
It has been suggested that Davies' agent wants to continue talks with the Red Devils chiefs so that a move to Old Trafford could become a viable option. In the North West, Manchester City could also benefit.
Pep Guardiola's side have been linked with a host of Bayern stars, including Joshua Kimmich. He would be a perfect replacement for Rodri and it also appears that he is no closer to committing his future to the club.
“If Joshua didn't ask how we are doing and what the plans are, then you wouldn't want the player,” Eberl revealed. “You want a player who identifies with this club.”
Meanwhile, City – alongside Premier League rivals Liverpool – have also been linked with a takeover for Jamal Musiala. The former Chelsea trainee still has 18 months left on his contract, but Bayern could be forced to sell if they cannot tie him down to new terms.
Finally, his club and international teammate Leroy Sane could be on his way back to the Premier League. The former Man City winger is out of contract this summer and is available for free.
Both United and Arsenal have been linked with him and he would become the latest former City star to move to the Emirates after Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling. Eberl also provided an update on the winger's future.
“We never said that Leroy has no future at Bayern,” he said after Sane's brace against Hoffenheim. “We know what he can do. Leroy has incredible quality. If he can show it like he did tonight, then he is of course a player that Bayern could consider re-signing.”
Another name known to Premier League fans is Eric Dier. The ex-Tottenham man was initially loaned out to Bayern last January and is widely expected to leave Allianz next summer. Sven Ulreich will also be out of contract in six months.
Comments