As Bayern Munich begin their pursuit of talent for the summer transfer market, the English domestic season came to a close with the FA Cup Final on Saturday. The attention in England for many teams now turns toward improving their squad (or in Luton Town’s case their stadium) for the 2023/24 Premier League season. Of course, not every team will be prepping their squad for an away trip to Anfield or Old Trafford.
As Southhampton, Leeds, and Leicester City all find themselves preparing for the grueling 46-game schedule of the English Championship, in hopes of returning to the top flight and the financial luxuries that come with it, they may be doing so without key pieces to their 2022/23 squad.
Just as we looked at players Bayern Munich should look to sign from the Bundesliga’s relegated, some players could be given the opportunity to move from England to Bavaria and have another shot at top-flight football.
Pascal Struijk
Center Back- Leeds
Transfermarkt value: €20 million
Knowing that Struijk put pen to paper in December on a deal to keep him with Leeds until 2027 , it may be a bit tough to pull him away from Yorkshire. Struijk’s energetic play and on-the-ball ability are what Bayern Munich needs along the backline. Struijk has experience at center back, defensive mid, and left back which tells me he would be able to find a spot in Bayern Munich’s defense regardless of Tuchel’s shape moving forward. Struijk’s abilities to get on the ball and create from deeper positions is what Bayern Munich lacked in the later portion of the season.
Illan Meslier
Goalkeeper- Leeds
Transfermarkt value: €22 million
Let’s face it, Manuel Neuer isn’t getting any younger, and if his recent injury history is any indication, Bayern Munich may want to expedite the search for the heir apparent. Meslier has the size and length (6′ 6″) to be a great shot-stopper, and with over 100 appearances already for Leeds at just 23, he has experience. While this past season was not his best by any means, a fresh start in Bavaria could do wonders for his career. Bayern Munich gambled on Alexander Nubel as the future in the net but was a couple of years too early. Meslier seems right and a year or two to acclimate to the Bundesliga and the team, and Bayern Munich could find some value here!
Wilfred Ndidi
Defensive Mid- Leicester City
Transfermarkt value: €32 million
If Bayern Munich is looking for a purely defensive midfielder to screen the backline and be a ball-winner, look no further. Ndidi is a strong ball winner that is both successful in aerial duels, recoveries, and 1v1s. Tasked mostly to sit as a single pivot to allow his midfield partners to create, don’t ask Ndidi to get on the ball and be a deep-lying playmaker, but if what you are wanting is defensive protection, he gives you that at a high level.
Boubakary Soumare
Defensive Mid- Leicester City
Transfermarkt value: €20 million
Unlike his midfield colleague Ndidi, Soumare offers more in possession and a more creative defensive option. The former Ligue 1 champion with Lille has not quite lived up to his potential in England, and after making only 19 league appearances in his first season with the Foxes, he appeared in 26 this past season. Given his profile as a defensive midfielder that is able to get on the ball and connect the lines, while still being able to screen the backline, Bayern Munich would do well to give Leicester a call. While Monaco attempted to sign Soumare before the start of 2023 for €17 million, the situation at Leicester has drastically changed, meaning they now may be willing to listen.
Romeo Lavia
Defensive Mid- Southampton
Transfermarkt value: €25 million
Having trained with Pep and Manchester City after coming through the Anderlecht academy, Lavia is a young and talented ball-winner that possesses great passing range and technical ability in tight spaces. Seeing as how Bayern Munich struggled to find their defensive shape in the midfield throughout the season, and wanting to push Joshua Kimmich higher up the field, the young Belgian, with 1 senior cap already to his name, would be a fantastic addition as the #6. With reports from the Express of Chelsea’s interest in Lavia, the price may be a bit steeper than the €25 million transfermarkt estimate.
Armel Bella-Kotchap
Center Back- Southampton
Transfermarkt value: €20 million
With already two caps with the German full team to his name, Bella-Kotchap would be a welcomed addition back to the Bundesliga. Having already made 26 appearances in the German top-flight for VfL Bochum, the young Paris-born German transferred to Southampton in the summer for about €10 million, and while Southampton struggled, Bella-Kotchap showed his value. He is a physical defender that showcases his size and strength in challenges and does very well playing for a team that wants to press high. While his abilities on the ball need improvement, his physical potential is extremely high, and it would be great to have a German along the backline in Munich.
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One thing Bayern Munich has always done well is run a good business. Having the opportunity to sign young, talented players to fill needs without breaking the bank is a model for success. When you have a successful club on the field, you look to add small pieces for impact and development, and what Bayern needs currently (besides a top-caliber forward) is a couple of pieces that allow you to change the game when needed. Looking to the relegated sides for value is a great opportunity to address this.
