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FC Bayern Munich, possible arrivals and departures in the summer: question marks in all parts of the team

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FC Bayern Munich, Bundesliga, goalkeeper, Toni Tapalovic, dismissal, Manuel Neuer, Yann Sommer, Alexander Nübel

Summer is already casting its shadow at FC Bayern, the squad must be put together for the future in such a way that the ambitious goals of the German record champions can be achieved. What could happen at FCB in the different parts of the team after the season?

In numerous positions – whether in goal, defensive or offensive – there are question marks as to planning beyond the current season. What will happen to Yann Sommer, is Benjamin Pavard really leaving the club – and are the bosses extending Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s contract with improved salaries?

TOR: Is Yann Sommer outperforming the competition?

With the commitment of Gladbach’s Yann Sommer after tough negotiations, Bayern closed the construction site in the goal after Manuel Neuer’s skiing accident, at least until the end of the season. He can only intervene again in the coming season at the earliest. According to reports, his injury is more serious than initially thought and could have had even more serious consequences in the event of poorer first aid.

Noble reservist Sven Ulreich was not believed to be capable of the upcoming tasks in the league, cup and especially the Champions League (round of 16 against PSG), which is why Sommer was the best possible replacement, even if the Munich team had to dig deeper into their pockets than actually wanted. But by summer at the latest, numerous questions will arise: Is Neuer fit again or does he need more recovery time? Will the 36-year-old be able to recover from such a serious injury and perform as usual? And what about summer, which is tied to 2025?

The separation of goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic, a close confidante and even best man of Neuer, has at least not improved his position in the club, but the new man should approach the task impartially and give both keepers the same chances. If Sommer shows strong performances in the remaining games, he should hope for open competition for the number one goal in Bayern – even if rumors say that a departure could be an issue if Neuer is back at 100 percent and the club invests amount can be recovered.

One thing is clear: Sommer is already 34 years old, alternatively FC Bayern could position themselves with a younger solution in the future or again rely on the combination of Neuer, Ulreich plus young goalkeeper for the 2023/24 season – and then possibly a big one the following year Looking for a solution should Neuer end his career after the European Championship.

Among other things, the name Gregor Kobel is traded, which according to kicker should be a candidate for the Neuer successor. CEO Oliver Kahn, however, denied such speculation: “I have no idea where these rumors come from. I have never commented on the performance and the player Gregor Kobel,” said the ex-keeper of Sport Bild. Italian media also brought Guglielmo Vicario from FC Empoli into play.

And then there is the name Alexander Nübel. After the season, he returns from his loan from AS Monaco. What happens next seems completely open. No solution could recently be found with the Monegasques to bring the former Schalke player back in winter. Although he did not rule out a future in Munich (contract until 2025), he will definitely not be satisfied with the bank role. “As of now,” he said last in Current gym, he will be part of the Bayern squad from the summer, “because my contract is still running”. But does it really happen?

DEFENSE: Benjamin Pavard and the Everlasting Dream

Benjamin Pavard has been dreaming of finally being able to play in central defense again for years. At Bayern Munich, that only happens when there is a need. That’s why the Frenchman had shown himself willing to change several times in the past few months. Just before the World Cup in Qatar he gave up the Italian Gazzetta dello Sport and the French L’Equipe Interviews in which he openly flirted with saying goodbye to FC Bayern. “I’m not averse to taking on a new challenge. Maybe now is the right time. Why not discover a new country, a new culture?” said the 26-year-old Frenchman.

For Bayern Munich, the departure would be a balancing act between opportunity and risk. On the one hand, you have already taken precautions with Noussair Mazraoui. The Moroccan has recently shown several times that he has what it takes to hold the position of right-back as a regular in the long term. Pavard’s move would clear the way for the talented 25-year-old. On the other hand, Munich would be very thin without the flexible defender. Mazraoui has shown himself to be prone to injuries in the past and central defense is also more tense than Nagelsmann would like.

Pavard can play three out of four defensive positions at a very high level. Should Bayern give him up next summer, they need a replacement. Ideally, a player who can help out both on the right and inside – or two new players. That could get expensive. Especially since Pavard’s contract expires in 2024 and the transfer fee should not be too high this year.

The cheapest option would be Josip Stanisic. The Croatian has proven in the past that he can solidly help out in almost all defensive positions. But that’s where the big “but” lies: Is a solid option enough for FC Bayern? Stanisic is reliable at a certain level, but beyond that it often reaches its limits. For example, at 2: 2 in Dortmund, when he was overwhelmed with the pace of the game.

Therefore, FC Bayern must inevitably keep an eye on the market. The candidate is Axel Disasi (24), for whom AS Monaco is said to be demanding over 50 million euros. Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries (26) and Olympique Lyon’s Malo Gusto (19) have also been traded. However, it has not yet become really concrete. The situation of Bouna Sarr, who should soon be returning from his injury, is almost a side note in the whole issue. The 30-year-old still has a contract until 2024. If Bayern finds a buyer, he will probably leave in the summer.

MIDDLE FIELD: Konrad Laimer is coming – what will happen to Marcel Sabitzer?

A major restructuring in central midfield is currently not planned. With Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Marcel Sabitzer and Ryan Gravenberch, Munich are well occupied there. But good should be very good and that is why the record champions are likely to sign Konrad Laimer from RB Leipzig. the table football recently reported that the contract had already been signed, but an official announcement is still pending.

Laimer is therefore free and is said to have even canceled Barça for Bayern. The Austrian could close an important construction site. Goretzka, Sabitzer and Gravenberch are all more offensive players. Kimmich also has the urge to occasionally show himself further up the field. This occasionally led to defensive problems in the six space. This is exactly where Laimer should help with his duel strength.

But the big question is what will become of Sabitzer. He also went from Leipzig to Munich in 2021, but has never really been able to assert himself since then. He currently seems to be losing out to Talent Gravenberch. If Laimer is there, there shouldn’t be any more room for the 28-year-old. Sabitzer’s future is still completely open.

STURM: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting or a Big Solution?

With outstanding performances in the first half of the season, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has made the departure of Robert Lewandowski forgotten. The Cameroonian’s contract expires at the end of the season. Those responsible at FC Bayern had announced talks several times. It was reported that in addition to a salary increase, the striker is demanding a contract term that is unusual for FCB – namely longer than just for the coming season.

Although hinted at the sport picture that Munich could make an exception for Choupo-Moting, according to sky but this is not necessary at all. Accordingly, in the event of an annual salary of more than ten million euros, the striker is ready to sign for just one more year. FC Bayern is under pressure, after all, the 33-year-old should also have interested parties from abroad. The upcoming games could be decisive. If Choupo-Moting maintains his level, an extension is likely. However, if he cannot hold it, Bayern may be forced to find a larger solution.

There have been rumors about Harry Kane in recent months. Even after the Lewandowski change, the Englishman was considered the big favorite to succeed him. “Harry Kane is a great striker,” said Uli Hoeneß recently in a one-two sports1, but then qualified: “But that’s an order of magnitude – I think City got out at 140 million last year: I can’t imagine FC Bayern wanting or being able to pay these sums.” The striker’s contract expires in 2024 and Tottenham are said to be tough negotiators. Hard to imagine that Kane would be available for a bargain price.

Especially since FC Bayern should expect competition in the competition for the 29-year-old. According to various media reports, Manchester United is interested. Kane himself had long delayed talks about a contract extension at Tottenham. But something could also be done in this direction.

According to information from The Athletic the captain of the English national team is now open to a contract extension. Accordingly, there should be talks in January and February. Perhaps a transfer to FC Bayern will then finally be off the table. Alternatively, he could also set up Mathys Tel as a medium-term solution. But the Frenchman is a different type of player. Nagelsmann recently emphasized that he initially sees the offensive man as an outside player.

There is currently no major solution in sight. In this respect, some things will probably amount to the contract with Choupo-Moting being extended and the Munich company keeping an eye on the market at the same time.

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