Bundesliga 2018/19

[Sphaero]

I fully agree with you apart from the first paragraph. Dortmund's management has always been (sometimes frustratingly) careful with their finances, I don't think they would make huge investments out of emotions.

Bayern's side suprises me as well. There is of course their own sporting side, which takes a mild risk, but if this actually works out for Dortmund and Hummels plays his role in beating Bayern Hoeneß and Rummenigge would take yet another huge public hit.
Dortmund probably won't pay them a super generous fee either. To me it seems more prudent to tell Hummels that he can either move abroad or take his chances with Kovac.

Eh, I would argue that the Götze transfer had a fair share bit of football romance on the side of Watzke & Co. in it. I don´t think the at least publically more agressive stance is really out of spite but moreso because the officials realized that Bayern has become a bit more vulnerable and they now have the ressources to take measured risks on the transfer market. In difference to the former transfer windows where the premise was to replace the leaving quality, bolster the squad depth and bring in talents with the hopes of them going through the roof, this window clearly aims to find upgrades for the teams peak strength.

Schulz, Hazard, Brandt and Hummels would all come to become immeadiate starters and improvements to the current status quo.

 

[do.ob]

Hummels won't be the reason if we lose the league next season. He's also really annoying. I doubt many Bayern fans care about him leaving no matter how next season plays out. He won't be missed.

I don't think either camp has much love for him at this point

Given Bayern's signings they probably won't take a big hit from him leaving (if at all), but there's also the indirect impact that comes with him joining their rival. Say Dortmund sign him for €20m and win the title with like 30-35 goals conceded (rasonably big if), it won't take a second before the press proclaims him the missing piece of the puzzle compared to last season and then they will ask whether Bayern sold Dortmund the title at a discount.

 

[Balu]

I don't think either camp has much love for him at this point

Given Bayern's signings they probably won't take a big hit from him leaving (if at all), but there's also the indirect impact that comes with him joining their rival. Say Dortmund sign him for €20m and win the title with like 30-35 goals conceded (rasonably big if), it won't take a second before the press proclaims him the missing piece of the puzzle compared to last season and then they will ask whether Bayern sold Dortmund the title at a discount.

Kovac will be the main focus of all criticism. I doubt Hummels will be relevant unless he scores decisive goals while Bayern's defenders feck up constantly.

 

[do.ob]

Kovac will be the main focus of all criticism. I doubt Hummels will be relevant unless he scores decisive goals while Bayern's defenders feck up constantly.

Among fans probably, but I doubt the media could resist it.

 

[Borussin]

Toprak? I think he's gone either way. If Hummels returns to Dortmund it will be because he wants to be an undisputed starter, so that will mean one of Diallo, Akanji, Zagadou leaving (in that order imho). I don't think Dortmund needs Hummels to come in second. If he plays well and they win the league or cup then Zorc/Watzke will be praised as geniuses, but if not they will have burned a fair amount of money and a good prospect on a lost bet. It's a sizeable bet with probably less than even odds.

If Dortmund then go an sell one of Diallo or Akanji, then they need their heads testing. Getting Hummels back should not mean one of those 2 leaves. The injuries Dortmund suffered to the back line last 2 seasons have been incredible. This should be about strengthening, not weakening. Last season we used Weigl as central defender, and used about 7 different pairings because of injuries.

I don't think either camp has much love for him at this point

Given Bayern's signings they probably won't take a big hit from him leaving (if at all), but there's also the indirect impact that comes with him joining their rival. Say Dortmund sign him for €20m and win the title with like 30-35 goals conceded (rasonably big if), it won't take a second before the press proclaims him the missing piece of the puzzle compared to last season and then they will ask whether Bayern sold Dortmund the title at a discount.

Dortmund fans will need to remind ourselves that Hummels couldn't stand Tuchel and that was one of the reasons he left

 

[do.ob]

If Dortmund then go an sell one of Diallo or Akanji, then they need their heads testing. Getting Hummels back should not mean one of those 2 leaves. The injuries Dortmund suffered to the back line last 2 seasons have been incredible. This should be about strengthening, not weakening. Last season we used Weigl as central defender, and used about 7 different pairings because of injuries.

Toprak played like 700 minutes this season and that's with Diallo helping out at LB half the time. No one out of Akanji, Diallo or Zagadou could be happy with that amount of play time and Balerdi might as well not bother turning up for pre season.

If Diallo is sold Favre has Akanji + Hummels as first choice CBs, Zagadou as a rotational option and Balerdi in the role of the young prospect. Weigl hasn't left yet either.

 

[Borussin]

Toprak played like 700 minutes this season and that's with Diallo helping out at LB half the time. No one out of Akanji, Diallo or Zagadou can be happy with that amount of play time and Balerdi might as well not bother. If Diallo is sold Favre has Akanji + Hummels as first choice CBs, Zagadou as a rotational option and Balerdi in the role of the young prospect. Weigl isn't gone yet either.

But it weakens them to get rid of one of their current 2 best defenders.

Getting rid of Diallo is the wrong thing to do in my opinion and the wrong message to send.

Good teams who want to compete for honours and compete deep into European competition need the depth.

And 700 minutes for Toprak is 700 minutes too much regardless.

Ideally Toprak is dumped and they go with Hummels, Akanji, Diallo and one of Balerdi or Zagadou. No problem with them selling Zagadou or loaning one of them.

Like I say, the injuries they have suffered last 2 seasons - the managment would be crazy to think they can then cash in on one of their current best 2, and hope they'll be fine going through a season they want to win in, with 2 first choice defenders, then a significant drop to two youngters. It would be like taking a step forward, then a step back at the same time.

 

[do.ob]

But it weakens them to get rid of one of their current 2 best defenders.

Getting rid of Diallo is the wrong thing to do in my opinion and the wrong message to send.

Good teams who want to compete for honours and compete deep into European competition need the depth.

And 700 minutes for Toprak is 700 minutes too much regardless.

Ideally Toprak is dumped and they go with Hummels, Akanji, Diallo and one of Balerdi or Zagadou. No problem with them selling Zagadou or loaning one of them.

Like I say, the injuries they have suffered last 2 seasons - the managment would be crazy to think they can then cash in on one of their current best 2, and hope they'll be fine going through a season they want to win in, with 2 first choice defenders, then a significant drop to two youngters. It would be like taking a step forward, then a step back at the same time.

Being left footed Diallo's competition would be Hummels, who is supposed to be the undisputed head of the defense. Do you think he's going to be happy sitting on the bench waiting for Hummels to get injured? It's the same thing Bayern experienced with Boateng and would be experiencing with Hummels (hence letting him leave).

 

[VorZakone]

What do y'all expect from Bundesliga clubs in Europe next season? It was a very underwhelming European season for them, only Frankfurt managed to do well.

 

[Borussin]

Being left footed Diallo's competition would be Hummels, who is supposed to be the undisputed head of the defense. Do you think he's going to be happy sitting on the bench waiting for Hummels to get injured? It's the same thing Bayern experienced with Boateng and would be experiencing with Hummels (hence letting him leave).

I have no idea if he'll be happy, that isn't really my concern! I just know the injuries the team suffered in the last couple seasons have been beyond ridiculoius and have hampered the team badly later in the season.

Look at all the other teams who compete in europe and who want to challenge for titles and in Europe, be it Bayern, Liverpool, Barcelona, Leipzig, Chelsea, PSG - whoever, they all will have quality options, not just 2 quality, then a big drop off to the next player. Not sure why Dortmund would be different. And if Dortmund choose to sell one of them, then in my opinion, they are defeating the object of bringing in a player like Hummels.

 

[do.ob]

What do y'all expect from Bundesliga clubs in Europe next season? It was a very underwhelming European season for them, only Frankfurt managed to do well.

Given that we're talking about cup competitions that's very hard to predict.

Bayern will be aiming for the SF, Dortmund for the QF,

Leipzig are a decent team with some experience, but they are facing pot 4, so they'll be hoping to make to ro16, but could also drop to into EL.

Leverkusen under Bosz are a complete wildcard, but I have the feeling they will bottle it somewhere and finish 3rd or 4th in their group.


Gladbach, Wolfsburg and Frankfurt are completely unpredictable, the former two have new coaches and might just decide to prioritize Bundesliga and Frankfurt are likely to try hard in the EL, but it's hard to say how strong they will come back with Jovic, Trapp and god knows who else gone.

I have no idea if he'll be happy, that isn't really my concern! I just know the injuries the team suffered in the last couple seasons have been beyond ridiculoius and have hampered the team badly later in the season.

Look at all the other teams who compete in europe and who want to challenge for titles and in Europe, be it Bayern, Liverpool, Barcelona, Leipzig, Chelsea, PSG - whoever, they all will have quality options, not just 2 quality, then a big drop off to the next player. Not sure why Dortmund would be different. And if Dortmund choose to sell one of them, then in my opinion, they are defeating the object of bringing in a player like Hummels.

Aside from the match against Munich Zagadou has earned himself the opportunity for a sizeable amount of playtime in the upcoming season. I don't think he's lower rated than Konate was before this season and Leipzig is the only club that has a budget remotely comparable to Dortmund's. I'm not even sure Diallo is that much better than him at this point, he had his share of shaky moments as well.

 

[hasanejaz88]

I would happy with Hummels going to Dortmund. Contrary to the belief outside of Germany, Hummels is still a quality defender and I hope he has a second coming at Dortmund and gains the respect he once had. I don't agree with selling Diallo though, you need quality backups and that was what destroyed Dortmund's season. With injury problems they had to play Weigl at CB and also Diallo at LB, if they had one more quality CB they could've prevented a few points dropped and won the title.

 

[do.ob]

I would happy with Hummels going to Dortmund. Contrary to the belief outside of Germany, Hummels is still a quality defender and I hope he has a second coming at Dortmund and gains the respect he once had. I don't agree with selling Diallo though, you need quality backups and that was what destroyed Dortmund's season. With injury problems they had to play Weigl at CB and also Diallo at LB, if they had one more quality CB they could've prevented a few points dropped and won the title.

Favre wasn't forced to play Weigl at CB, Toprak was basically fit the entire time. He did so, because Weigl played reasonably well there. Diallo playing LB has already been adressed with the signing of Schulz.
I think Zagadou is a decent 3rd CB by Dortmund's standards and way too talented to just tell him to feck off, if two CBs get injured they still have Weigl or Balerdi. You can't prepare for everything, I mean who plays DM if Witsel and Weigl get injured? Who plays in Goal if Bürki and Hitz get injured? At some point you have to balance the cost of depth against the odds of injuries.

 

[Swarm]

Favre wasn't forced to play Weigl at CB, Toprak was basically fit the entire time. He did so, because Weigl played reasonably well there. Diallo playing LB has already been adressed with the signing of Schulz.
I think Zagadou is a decent 3rd CB by Dortmund's standards and way too talented to just tell him to feck off, if two CBs get injured they still have Weigl or Balerdi. You can't prepare for everything, I mean who plays DM if Witsel and Weigl get injured? Who plays in Goal if Bürki and Hitz get injured? At some point you have to balance the cost of depth against the odds of injuries.

Exactly, sorry @Borussin but wanting to simply add Hummels to our defense is just nonsensical. In that case we would have Diallo, Akanji and Hummels who would want to be first teamers and Zagadou and Balerdi who want significant playing time. That is already assuming that both Toprak and Weigl are on their way out (or the latter is at least planned for a DM position). That would be planning to waste at least one player entirely, possibly two. You can't plan for the amount of injuries that we had in defense last season. That just ends in burnt money.

 

[Sphaero]

I would happy with Hummels going to Dortmund. Contrary to the belief outside of Germany, Hummels is still a quality defender and I hope he has a second coming at Dortmund and gains the respect he once had. I don't agree with selling Diallo though, you need quality backups and that was what destroyed Dortmund's season. With injury problems they had to play Weigl at CB and also Diallo at LB, if they had one more quality CB they could've prevented a few points dropped and won the title.

Yes, we were stretched thin in defense because central defender had to play make shift fullbacks which is hopefully something of the past because we signed one of the leagues best leftbacks for quite a lot of money. Four central defenders are enough coverage if they really only need to play there and not help out elsewhere. If we exchange Toprak+Diallo for Hummels we will have double coverage for each defensive position, which is sufficient.

If our staff would really not think that Zagadou could handle the third CB position, they should urge him to leave the club as it would mean that they have no faith for him to make it at our level. There is no indication for that, though. He has played far too many good games for us already and is far too young to be written off after a few poor games.

 

[do.ob]

Bild are now speculating that Hummels leaving might mean Jerome "I advise him to look for a new club" Boateng might get to stay after all.

 

[hasanejaz88]

Favre wasn't forced to play Weigl at CB, Toprak was basically fit the entire time. He did so, because Weigl played reasonably well there. Diallo playing LB has already been adressed with the signing of Schulz.
I think Zagadou is a decent 3rd CB by Dortmund's standards and way too talented to just tell him to feck off, if two CBs get injured they still have Weigl or Balerdi. You can't prepare for everything, I mean who plays DM if Witsel and Weigl get injured? Who plays in Goal if Bürki and Hitz get injured? At some point you have to balance the cost of depth against the odds of injuries.

I'm not sure Balerdi is ready for first team football. I know Hakimi was an immediate success despite his lack of experience when he first came into the team, but then again you look at recent signings like Gomez and Isak, it's not necessary that Balerdi can be first team quality right now. Therefore, I don't think you can depend on him as an option just yet. Diallo, Akanji, Hummels and Zagadou would be good enough for the whole season and then Balerdi/Weigl if need be. Toprak should definitely be sold.

Yes, we were stretched thin in defense because central defender had to play make shift fullbacks which is hopefully something of the past because we signed one of the leagues best leftbacks for quite a lot of money. Four central defenders are enough coverage if they really only need to play there and not help out elsewhere. If we exchange Toprak+Diallo for Hummels we will have double coverage for each defensive position, which is sufficient.

If our staff would really not think that Zagadou could handle the third CB position, they should urge him to leave the club as it would mean that they have no faith for him to make it at our level. There is no indication for that, though. He has played far too many good games for us already and is far too young to be written off after a few poor games.

Hummels is approaching 31 and has had injury problems, I don't see how him coming in would suddenly mean Zagadou/Diallo are unwanted. I'm sure they will still get plenty of playing time inbetween 3 competitions so they can still develop in the next few seasons, after which Hummels will surely be moved out of the first XI.

Again, I'm not sure of how dependable Balerdi would be, I don't live in Germany so I can't be sure if there are articles where Dortmund have said they will play him more next season.

 

[do.ob]

I'm not sure Balerdi is ready for first team football. I know Hakimi was an immediate success despite his lack of experience when he first came into the team, but then again you look at recent signings like Gomez and Isak, it's not necessary that Balerdi can be first team quality right now. Therefore, I don't think you can depend on him as an option just yet. Diallo, Akanji, Hummels and Zagadou would be good enough for the whole season and then Balerdi/Weigl if need be. Toprak should definitely be sold.

Hummels is approaching 31 and has had injury problems, I don't see how him coming in would suddenly mean Zagadou/Diallo are unwanted. I'm sure they will still get plenty of playing time inbetween 3 competitions so they can still develop in the next few seasons, after which Hummels will surely be moved out of the first XI.

Again, I'm not sure of how dependable Balerdi would be, I don't live in Germany so I can't be sure if there are articles where Dortmund have said they will play him more next season.

I have no idea how good Balerdi is at this point, but if Dortmund pay €15mil for a 19 year old CB then I think it's pretty safe to assume that he's meant for the first team. Gomez and Isak were both signed as 17 year olds and cost less than him combined, they were an entirely different category of investment. It's also not like the club will really depend on him if they use him as 4th/5th CB.
I mean we're only discussing Hummels in this thread, because even Bayern can't keep their 3rd CB happy and then you're talking about how Dortmund should keep 5-6 players for 2 positions. That's insane. Even Real only keep four CBs and with Nacho and Vallejo it's quite a steep decline after Varane and Ramos.
The last time Hummels had a major injury was 2014 btw.

 

[Acrobat7]

Bild are now speculating that Hummels leaving might mean Jerome "I advise him to look for a new club" Boateng might get to stay after all.

If Bayern keeps Boateng and sells Hummels somebody in their management should get shot.

 

[Varun]

If Bayern keeps Boateng and sells Hummels somebody in their management should get shot.

Yes

 

[roonster09]

So Hummels to Dortmund means Lucas Hernandez will play as CB for Bayern?

 

[hasanejaz88]

I have no idea how good Balerdi is at this point, but if Dortmund pay €15mil for a 19 year old CB then I think it's pretty safe to assume that he's meant for the first team. Gomez and Isak were both signed as 17 year olds and cost less than him combined, they were an entirely different category of investment. It's also not like the club will really depend on him if they use him as 4th/5th CB.
I mean we're only discussing Hummels in this thread, because even Bayern can't keep their 3rd CB happy and then you're talking about how Dortmund should keep 5-6 players for 2 positions. That's insane. Even Real only keep four CBs and with Nacho and Vallejo it's quite a steep decline after Varane and Ramos.
The last time Hummels had a major injury was 2014 btw.

Again, it's not 5-6 players since I'm not considering Balerdi as an option. It's only 4 options for me, all of whom have quality and therefore can be used as options in cup competitions. Last season Dortmund had used all their center back options fairly regularly. Akanji played 30 matches, Diallo 20 at CB, Zagadou 20 and Weigl 14 matches at CB. Dortmund had to deal with injuries to Akanji and Zagadou during the season so again, while I concede I was wrong about Hummels being injury prone now (though he doesn't play all matches and isn't stressed as much as other players), injuries can happen to any other player. Therefore, you really need 4 quality players at center back who can start without suffering a large drop in quality.

 

[Keeps It tidy]

So Hummels to Dortmund means Lucas Hernandez will play as CB for Bayern?

I think that was always the case.

 

[Keeps It tidy]

Dortmund really are bailing Bayern out taking Hummels off their hands. Bayern had too many CBs to keep happy and now Dortmund will have the same issue.

 

[do.ob]

Again, it's not 5-6 players since I'm not considering Balerdi as an option. It's only 4 options for me, all of whom have quality and therefore can be used as options in cup competitions. Last season Dortmund had used all their center back options fairly regularly. Akanji played 30 matches, Diallo 20 at CB, Zagadou 20 and Weigl 14 matches at CB. Dortmund had to deal with injuries to Akanji and Zagadou during the season so again, while I concede I was wrong about Hummels being injury prone now (though he doesn't play all matches and isn't stressed as much as other players), injuries can happen to any other player. Therefore, you really need 4 quality players at center back who can start without suffering a large drop in quality.

You're arbitrarily discounting a player that was signed for significant money. Dortmund thus far has not been a club that just bins €15m investments without giving them a single game. Bayern played the past season with "only" three natural CBs btw.

 

[Acrobat7]

So Hummels to Dortmund means Lucas Hernandez will play as CB for Bayern?

As long as they keep a back 4: definitely.

Alaba is not being moved to CM. He‘s way better at LB and - in my opinion - had a good season again.

It should be Alaba, Hernandez, Süle, Kimmich with Pavard being the 3rd CB.

 

[do.ob]

Bild now report terms have been agreed between both clubs (€20mil + boni) and between Dortmund and the player (slightly below €10mil p.a. down from €12mil).

Proper meltdown from the Bayern and Dortmund twitterazzi.

 

[Sphaero]

Bild now report terms have been agreed between both clubs (€20mil + boni) and between Dortmund and the player (slightly below €10mil p.a. down from €12mil).

Proper meltdown from the Bayern twitterazzi.

That would put him in 2nd place of the internal wage ranking just below Reus, slightly ahead of Götze and Witsel, which is where I also expected him to place. This should also show where he will rank in the teams hierachy. He will probably directly reenter the players council, which will be unproblematic as he left on good terms with the old guard (Reus, Schmelzer, Pisczu, etc.) and also stayed in touch with them. More interesting will be the question of the captains badge. He will obviously not become first captain as long as Reus is active, because he did a far worse job than the latter and this would not go over well with the support, but he might become vice captain in place of Pisczu, who will go in his last season as player and might not end up to be a regular starter.

It will certainly be some fun first home games as I see the South giving him a "warm" welcome. I just hope he keeps his head down for a bit and can resist from giving too many interviews and keep cringy love stories to a minimum and let his performances speak for him. Given the fickle nature of most supporters with the right performances he will be (similar to Götze) respected and appreaciated again by the majority of the support by Christmas. I don´t see him ever regaining the standing he had before again, though, and I sincerely hope he won´t expect that.

 

[do.ob]

That would put him in 2nd place of the internal wage ranking just below Reus, slightly ahead of Götze and Witsel, which is where I also expected him to place. This should also show where he will rank in the teams hierachy. He will probably directly reenter the players council, which will be unproblematic as he left on good terms with the old guard (Reus, Schmelzer, Pisczu, etc.) and also stayed in touch with them. More interesting will be the question of the captains badge. He will obviously not become first captain as long as Reus is active, because he did a far worse job than the latter and this would not go over well with the support, but he might become vice captain in place of Pisczu, who will go in his last season as player and might not end up to be a regular starter.

It will certainly be some fun first home games as I see the South giving him a "warm" welcome. I just hope he keeps his head down for a bit and can resist from giving too many interviews and keep cringy love stories to a minimum and let his performances speak for him. Given the fickle nature of most supporters with the right performances he will be (similar to Götze) respected and appreaciated again by the majority of the support by Christmas. I don´t see him ever regaining the standing he had before again, though, and I sincerely hope he won´t expect that.

I don't think it'll make huge waves. Fans have the entire pre season to get used to him being back, I don't think there will be a huge protest at the beginning of the actual season. The feelings weren't nearly as strong as when Götze left imho and even he didn't get that harsh a welcome. Hummels certainly likes to talk, but I think it's mostly about selling himself as a profound character rather than schmoozing with fans.

 

[hasanejaz88]

You're arbitrarily discounting a player that was signed for significant money. Dortmund thus far has not been a club that just bins €15m investments without giving them a single game. Bayern played the past season with "only" three natural CBs btw.

It's not about binning him, he's only 19 approaching 20 so there is no reason to suggest that not playing him this season will equate to completely losing faith in him. Signing Hummel, loaning Balerdi and keeping Diallo/Zagadou would be the perfect situation in my opinion.

 

[Atze-Peng]

Not sure what to think of this transfer. Hummels is without a doubt a good player, but he probably has only 2 - at max 3 - more top seasons in him. Maybe after this seasons bottling the clubs leadership figured we were really missing more experience in the team. But it might also hint of Akanji or Diallo going to take a leave. There have been some rumours for both of them and both of them could bring in 50+ mio.

Another option is us aiming to play a 3-2-4-1 / 3-1-5-1 next season and thus wanting more centre backs. Schulz, Piszczek, Wolf and Hakimi are all 3 suited for these roles and the rumours of getting an additional LB also add to it.


Let's see where this goes.

 

[Bokito]

So Hummels to Dortmund means Lucas Hernandez will play as CB for Bayern?

Or making room for De Ligt?

 

[Zehner]

Not sure what Bayern is thinking. Hummels is currently vastly underrated. Still a worldclass CB but the bad performance of Germany at the WC and Bayern's weak first half of the season has turned the public perveption of him around. But I expect directors of clubs like Bayern to stand above such stuff.

Hummel's departure was probably the one that hit Dortmund the most. When he was still there, the primary goal of every opponent was to close him down since his build up was so vital. That dimension was gone when he left and Dortmund had to make due, and it took them some time. They still lack a CB that's excellent in the build up, at least if you don't count Weigl who's defensively too weak.

Now they are getting this factor back. I have the feeling Bayern wil regret this. At this point I really can't see how Hernandez and Pavard are improvements on him.

 

[do.ob]

Or making room for De Ligt?

Sounds pretty insane to sink €200mil into a defense which wasn't that bad just to realize you have no money left to strengthen midfield and attack.
Accounting for the BRAZZO-factor I'll give it a 50% chance.

Speaking of that, what's going on with Bayern's squad?

Ranfinha, Hummels, Ribery, Robben, James out for sure. Hoeneß told Boateng to get lost via the press, Sanches wants to leave due to lack of game time afaik. So what's left ist

Defense
Kimmich, Pavard, Hernandez, Süle, Alaba

Midfield
Javi, Thiago, Goretzka, Tolisso

Attack:
Gnabry, Coman, Müller, Lewandowski

no kind readers, that's not a designated first team, that's their entire squad. There's like 5-10 players missing?

edit: forgot about Arp and Davies, but they won't play a real role, will they?

 

[Bokito]

Sounds pretty insane to sink €200mil into a defense which wasn't that bad just to realize you have no money left to strengthen midfield and attack.
Accounting for the BRAZZO-factor I'll give it a 50% chance.

Speaking of that, what's going on with Bayern's squad?

Ranfinha, Hummels, Ribery, Robben, James out for sure. Hoeneß told Boateng to get lost via the press, Sanches wants to leave due to lack of game time afaik. So what's left ist

Defense
Kimmich, Pavard, Hernandez, Süle, Alaba

Midfield
Javi, Thiago, Goretzka, Tolisso

Attack:
Gnabry, Coman, Müller, Lewandowski

no kind readers, that's not a designated first team, that's their entire squad. There's like 5-10 players missing?

edit: forgot about Arp and Davies, but they won't play a real role, will they?

It’s still early in the summer - players with repeated rumours of being linked with Bayern include Werner, Sané, Rodri, Ziyech, Havertz, Carrasco (and some wishful thinking of Griezmann). I think a massive overhaul of the squad was past due. Getting rid of a bunch of “dead wood” to rebuild from isn’t actually a bad idea.

 

[Zehner]

Sounds pretty insane to sink €200mil into a defense which wasn't that bad just to realize you have no money left to strengthen midfield and attack.
Accounting for the BRAZZO-factor I'll give it a 50% chance.

Speaking of that, what's going on with Bayern's squad?

Ranfinha, Hummels, Ribery, Robben, James out for sure. Hoeneß told Boateng to get lost via the press, Sanches wants to leave due to lack of game time afaik. So what's left ist

Defense
Kimmich, Pavard, Hernandez, Süle, Alaba

Midfield
Javi, Thiago, Goretzka, Tolisso

Attack:
Gnabry, Coman, Müller, Lewandowski

no kind readers, that's not a designated first team, that's their entire squad. There's like 5-10 players missing?

edit: forgot about Arp and Davies, but they won't play a real role, will they?

What's even crazier is that they already spent almost 120m, which is already their all time transfer rekord if I'm not mistaken. And still their squad looks like it's in construction, missing at least 5 players as you pointed out. They'd need at least one or two midfielders - and class ones since I don't think Goretzka and Tolisso are good enough for what they are aiming for -, a world class winger since Coman is out injuried pretty often and a fourth or even fifth CB since Pavard and Hernandez will probably back up Alaba and Kimmich if they are missing. That's easily another 200m worth of signing fees.

At this point, I'd even say Dortmund squads is on eye level with theirs which has never been the case before, IMO.

 

[Acrobat7]

What's even crazier is that they already spent almost 120m, which is already their all time transfer rekord if I'm not mistaken. And still their squad looks like it's in construction, missing at least 5 players as you pointed out. They'd need at least one or two midfielders - and class ones since I don't think Goretzka and Tolisso are good enough for what they are aiming for -, a world class winger since Coman is out injuried pretty often and a fourth or even fifth CB since Pavard and Hernandez will probably back up Alaba and Kimmich if they are missing. That's easily another 200m worth of signing fees.

At this point, I'd even say Dortmund squads is on eye level with theirs which has never been the case before, IMO.

Keep Boateng, promote Mai, get Gündogan and a winger: €100-120

 

[Zehner]

Keep Boateng, promote Mai, get Gündogan and a winger: €100-120

Well, if Boateng were to stay, things would be different but it really doesn't look like it. He openly criticized Kovac, said he treated him unfairly, Hoeneß recommended him to move and so forth. So they need at least another defender, whether it's a CB or a LB, even if they promote Mai. But that's usually not how you do such stuff. Youth players earn their places in a squad, you don't simply plan with them because you don't want to spend money on a player.

So it's at least 10-20 million for a CB backup, 50-80 million for a CM, 50-80 million for a winger. My guess is that they won't buy a CM since they think their current players are good enough.

And besides all that, they are also losing incredibly much quality on the ball. Under Guardiola, they had two of the world's three best CBs in the build up (Boateng and Hummels alongside Bonucci) at that time. Now the only player who's a really good passer in this defensive line up is Kimmich. And in midfield, only Thiago is truly great on the ball. Kovac is getting his way as it seems, bringing in more and more physically strong, dynamic and direct players. I don't think that this will be to Bayern's advantage.

 

[Acrobat7]

Well, if Boateng were to stay, things would be different but it really doesn't look like it. He openly criticized Kovac, said he treated him unfairly, Hoeneß recommended him to move and so forth. So they need at least another defender, whether it's a CB or a LB, even if they promote Mai. But that's usually not how you do such stuff. Youth players earn their places in a squad, you don't simply plan with them because you don't want to spend money on a player.

So it's at least 10-20 million for a CB backup, 50-80 million for a CM, 50-80 million for a winger. My guess is that they won't buy a CM since they think their current players are good enough.

And besides all that, they are also losing incredibly much quality on the ball. Under Guardiola, they had two of the world's three best CBs in the build up (Boateng and Hummels alongside Bonucci) at that time. Now the only player who's a really good passer in this defensive line up is Kimmich. And in midfield, only Thiago is truly great on the ball. Kovac is getting his way as it seems, bringing in more and more physically strong, dynamic and direct players. I don't think that this will be to Bayern's advantage.

Btw, i completely agree with you. I only wrote what I expect to happen.

 

[do.ob]

Keep Boateng, promote Mai, get Gündogan and a winger: €100-120

You keep Boateng and your leadership looks like fools after trying to chase him out of town (Hoeneß) and selling Hummels for a cheap to reasonable amount.

Gnabry is the surprise of the seaon to me, yet him and Coman as starters would be somewhat underwhelming for a team that wants to challenge for CL glory and a player like Sane is bound to cost €100m, maybe even €120m.

And even if Bayern sign both of them their squad seems too thin. No backup for Lewy, no backup for Martinez, three wide attackers, when one of them usually misses half the season, a defense with no dedicated RB or LB replacement, instead banking on Hernandez and Pavard to cover the wings, six players for four defensive positions.

The first team would look pretty sexy, but the squad overall would be quite thin.