With the COVID-19 crisis slightly getting better in Germany, the DFL authorities have scheduled the return of football in the country. In a video chat with the club representatives, the DFL authorities released the rest of the Bundesliga fixtures, with the season set to resume on May 16th. Borussia Dortmund will take on Schalke 04 in the first match, while table-toppers Bayern Munich are scheduled to take on Union Berlin the following day.
Most clubs around the world could face financial crunches in the upcoming summer transfer window. They are expected to lose a major portion of their profit due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and are expected to spend considerably less than what they did in the previous transfer windows. However, the clubs will still be looking to sign a few players to strengthen their squad.
Bayern Munich, who are currently four points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table, will be looking to seal their eighth consecutive title triumph at the end of the season. The German champions have been linked with quite a few signings and here are three realistic signings they can make.
#1 Leroy Sane
According to reports, Bayern Munich have reignited their interest in Manchester City winger Leroy Sane, who is also keen on returning to Germany. The Germany international was heavily linked with the Bundesliga giants last summer too. But an ACL injury seriously hampered Sane’s chances of returning to his homeland. However, the situation can soon change as his present contract with the Citizens is set to expire in 2021.
Since joining from Schalke in 2016, Leroy Sane has been an instrumental player for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. He has played a major role in Manchester City’s recent domestic dominance. However, with Sane’s contract with the Premier League champions set to expire next year, his future at the Etihad Stadium has been a topic of constant debate.
Facing the risk of losing the player on a free transfer, with Bayern Munich lurking, Manchester City tried to persuade Leroy Sane to sign a new contract last summer. However, Sane’s ACL injury against Liverpool in the Community Shield stalled the contract talks as the winger was ruled out for the rest of the season.
Bayern Munich are reportedly keen on signing Sane for around £35 million but Manchester City are reluctant to sell the German for such a low fee. It still remains to be seen if the Bundesliga champions can rope in the 24-year-old at the end of the season.
#2 Dayot Upamecano
RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano has been linked with several European heavyweights, including Bayern Munich. According to German sports daily Bild, RB Leipzig have lowered their asking price for the defender from €52 million to €34 million.
The present contract of the defender with RB Leipzig runs until the end of the 2021 season, and it has been claimed that the Frenchman prefers a move to Bayern Munich over the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona.
There are multiple factors that could assist Bayern Munich in their bid to sign Dayot Upamecano. The Bavarians can try and negotiate a lower fee for the defender as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected the finances of most clubs. If RB Leipzig refuse to budge, they can end up losing the player on a free transfer next year.
On the other hand, Bayern Munich seem to be in no mood to extend Jerome Boateng’s contract. Also, Lucas Hernandez and Niklas Sule have struggled to steer clear of injuries and signing Dayot Upamecano can provide the Bundesliga champions with some much-required stability in the central defence.
#3 Kai Havertz
Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz has been the talk of the town since enjoying a sensational 2018-19 campaign. The attacking midfielder scored 20 goals and assisted seven more in 42 appearances in all competitions last summer. He also earned a call-up to the German national team, owing to his stellar performances.
Following his impressive displays, several top European clubs were linked with making a move for the 20-year-old, including Liverpool, Manchester United and Bayern Munich. However, the signing of Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon in January has subdued the Red Devils’ interest somewhat.
On the other hand, Bayern Munich are looking for a squad overhaul in the summer, and manager Hansi Flick is keen on signing Kai Havertz. Moreover, Sky Sports suggest that the youngster is also interested in joining the Bundesliga champions.
It remains to be seen if Bayern Munich are able to secure Kai Havertz’s signature at the end of the season or if any other team join the chase for the talented youngster.
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