5 players Bayern Munich should sign this summer
By Adam Stocker
Bayern Munich need to spend this summer if they hope to make it back to the Champions League final. Here are five players they should pursue.
For the sixth straight season, Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga title. However, for the second straight season, they were eliminated by Real Madrid in Champions League. Winning the Bundesliga title has become routine for the club. Success in the Champions League now determines whether they can consider a given season a success.
As currently constructed, Bayern would not have to make a change to win the Bundesliga next season — they finished the season 21 points ahead of second-place Schalke this year — but to make it to the Champions League final for the first time since 2013 they need to improve their squad.
The summer transfer window will be the first chance for new manager Niko Kovac to put his stamp on the team. Kovac used a three-man defense in almost every Bundesliga game this season with Eintracht Frankfurt. Switching to a back three would be a major change for Bayern and would require signing another center-back.
Bayern got a head start on the summer transfer window when they signed Schalke’s best player, Leon Goretzka, to a pre-contract agreement in January. Goretzka could end up being a replacement for Arturo Vidal, who has been linked to Premier League clubs this season. Vidal turns 31 on May 22 and had an injury end his season prematurely. Bayern would be smart to cash out on the Chilean midfielder and allow Goretzka and last season’s record signing, Corentin Tolisso, to replace Vidal.
Bayern also re-signed aging, injury-prone, but still productive wingers Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben. While both players are club legends, Bayern need to find younger replacements who can gradually become starters.
With the success Bayern have had over the last six years, some players are looking for new challenges and could be on their way out. Jerome Boateng and David Alaba have both talked about wanting new challenges. If either player wants to leave, Bayern will have to find replacements.
Robert Lewandowski has long been rumored as a transfer target for Real Madrid. If the Polish striker leaves for the Spanish capital, Bayern will need a new striker. RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner would instantly be their top target.
5. Memphis Depay
When former Bayern manager Louis van Gaal took over at Manchester United, one of the biggest signings he made in his second summer with the club was Memphis Depay. The Dutch winger arrived at the club with high expectations coming off of a strong World Cup in 2014 and a 28-goal season with PSV in 2015.
However, Depay’s tenure with Manchester United was very disappointing. The Dutch winger struggled to fit in or create chances and never carved out a role with the club. In 53 games, Depay scored only seven goals. When Jose Mourhino took over for van Gaal after the end of the 2015-16 season, Depay didn’t fit in with Mourhino’s plan for the club. As a result, Depay barely played in his second season with the club.
After 18 months, Depay’s tenure in Manchester ended. Lyon bought the Netherlands international for €16 million, a significantly discounted price compared to the €34 million United paid. Depay proved his time in Manchester was a speedbump in his career. Since joining Lyon, the Dutch winger has revitalized his career. In 68 games across all competitions, Depay has scored 25 goals and assisted 24 others.
Lyon can now cash in on Depay with his value at a high point. The French club could receive a return on their investment of double what they paid for Depay. With Bayern Munich, Depay would be a natural replacement for Robben and Ribery. Still only 24 years old, Depay has room to grow as a player and can continue to get better.