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5 players Bayern Munich should sign this summer

By Adam Stocker

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - APRIL 28: Leon Bailey of Leverkusen controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart at BayArena on April 28, 2018 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - APRIL 28: Leon Bailey of Leverkusen controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart at BayArena on April 28, 2018 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /
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Atletico Madrid’s French forward Kevin Gameiro (L) vies with Espanyol’s defender Aaron Caricol during the Spanish league football match Club Atletico de Madrid vs RCD Espanyol at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid on December 3, 2016. / AFP / GERARD JULIEN (Photo credit should read GERARD JULIEN/AFP/Getty Images)
Atletico Madrid’s French forward Kevin Gameiro (L) vies with Espanyol’s defender Aaron Caricol during the Spanish league football match Club Atletico de Madrid vs RCD Espanyol at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid on December 3, 2016. / AFP / GERARD JULIEN (Photo credit should read GERARD JULIEN/AFP/Getty Images) /

4. Aaron Caricol

With David Alaba and Joshua Kimmich, Bayern Munich have two great full-backs. Alaba turns 26 this year, while Kimmich is 23. Both players should continue to be in the prime of their careers for years to come. However, Alaba has struggled to stay healthy and the Austrian left-back has hinted he’s considering leaving the club.

While Juan Bernat and Rafinha are capable backups in the Bundesliga, they don’t make the cut as the rounds advance in Champions League. Bayern Munich could probably get away with starting either Bernat or Rafinha the entire Bundesliga season and still win the title. However, in the knockout stages in Europe, their mistakes cost Bayern. Bernat struggled against Sevilla, losing his man in coverage, while a Rafinha slip cost Bayern the first leg against Real Madrid.

Bayern need to get another high-caliber full-back who could replace Alaba should he leave or provide an upgrade over the soon-to-be 33-year-old Rafinha, who recently signed a one-year extension.

Aaron Caricol would be a solid option for Bayern. The Spanish left-back plays for Espanyol, where he broke into the lineup as an 18-year-old. This season, the 21-year-old appeared in 31 La Liga games, playing almost 2800 minutes and drawing comparisons to Jordi Alba.

Caricol reportedly has a €30 million buy-out clause which fits inside of Bayern’s buying range. However, several Premier League clubs are also interested in Caricol. That could drive the price up above the buyout clause. Bayern have shown in the past they’re unwilling to spend big on transfer fees. The German club’s record signing is Corentin Tolisso, who cost €41.5 million.

Another alternative to Caricol is Valencia’s Jose Gaya. Despite being only 22 years old, Gaya has made 145 appearances for Valencia since making his debut as a 17-year-old. Gaya is a more advanced prospect with Champions League and Europa League experience. However, he comes with a €50 million release clause and has drawn interest from the top four Premier League clubs.

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