Four transfer targets for Bayern Munich this summer
On February 1st, Manchester City finally announced that current Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola will replace Manuel Pellegrini at the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season.
It ended weeks of speculation and allowed Bayern, who had previously announced that Carlo Ancelotti will be the next manager, to begin preparing for the Italian’s impending arrival.
One of the biggest tasks for Ancelotti next season will be his performance in the transfer window. In recent years, Bayern haven’t necessarily got it right with their dealings and the Bundesliga outfit need to press on as Borussia Dortmund continue to improve and climb the German league table. Here are four potential targets for Bayern this summer.
John Stones
The Everton centre-back is one of the most sought after players in European football right now and Bayern could do much worse than the England international. Stones has been plying his trade for the Toffees since signing from Barnsley in 2013 and he has quickly blossomed into one of England’s finest young prospects.
If nothing else, Stones’ ability to bring the ball out of defence will appeal to Ancelotti’s attacking nature and Bayern supporters would certainly love that too. Yes, he can be erratic at times but the 21-year-old has shown enough quality to suggest he could mature into a world class player in the not-so-distant future. He’s certainly gifted and Everton fans would be extremely sad to see the starlet move to the Allianz Arena but a strong performance at the European Championships will have the consolation of a sizeable fee.
Guillermo Varela
Earlier in the season, Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal turned to Varela in a time of crisis. The 23-year-old remains a raw talent but his aggressive defending style would more than likely suit European football. Varela has shown enough quality during his brief role in the United side to showcase his talent, both in attack and defence.
Varela is far from the finished article but Bayern could be the perfect club to nurture his development and ensure he grows into a world class full-back. The Uruguayan has struggled with injury issues in recent weeks and is yet to force his way back into the United starting line-up – which has helped fuel further suggestions that the young starlet is open to leaving the club this summer.
Eric Dier
After a superb campaign, Tottenham Hotspur youngster Eric Dier has been linked with a move to Bayern. The Spurs midfielder has forced his way into Roy Hodgson’s thinking and is likely to feature in England’s Euro 2016 squad this summer. And if he is selected in Hodgson’s starting line-up, Bayern fans will get a closer look at exactly what Dier could/would bring to the side.
Is this move realistic? Potentially. With Xabi Alonso and makeshift central midfielder Philipp Lahm both getting older, it could be time for a young talent like Dier to join up with the Bavarians ahead of what will be a defining campaign for the German side. Dier has all the qualities to succeed at Bayern but a deal is yet to be agreed.
Riyad Mahrez
Leicester City’s talisman will receive plenty of attention in the transfer window and the Algerian will be tempted if one of Europe’s elite clubs makes an offer for his services this summer. Mahrez has been central to Leicester’s title challenge and his trickery, skill and vision are just three of the traits that help him to shine out in what is a very industrious Foxes outfit.
At 25 years old, Mahrez is in the prime of his career and Bayern may consider moving for the winger this year, especially as Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery edge another year closer to retirement. The Foxes man is well on his way to winning the Player of the Year award and is likely to play a key role in Leicester’s remaining Premier League fixtures this season.