A Risky Transfer Move: Bayern’s Plan Sparks Debate | OneFootball

FC Bayern will have to make do without Luis Díaz in the coming weeks—and probably isn’t too unhappy about it. This time, the Colombian isn’t traveling to join his national team; instead, he’s getting a much-needed break. After months of immense pressure, the 29-year-old is set to recharge both physically and mentally.

Colombia’s national team coach, Néstor Lorenzo, had recently noted himself that the heavy schedule was taking its toll on his star player. “You look tired, Lucho. You don’t have your usual burst of speed—what’s going on?” he asked Díaz, according to his own account. Together, they agreed to forgo a call-up.

For Bayern, the break comes at just the right time. Díaz hasn’t looked as explosive or fresh lately as he did for much of last season. His finishing has also left something to be desired. In the 7-0 win over Union Berlin, he was substituted after just 63 minutes.

However, the situation raises a question that Bayern had already asked themselves this past summer: Who can provide long-term relief for Díaz?

Bayern decided against signing another winger

During the transfer window, the Munich club did consider bringing in an additional top-tier player for the left wing. Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United was among the specific candidates.

Ultimately, a transfer did not materialize. “We tried at first. At some point, it became too expensive for us,” Max Eberl explained later.

According to information from SPORT1, there were differing opinions within Bayern’s leadership anyway about how urgently another classic left winger was needed. In the end, they decided to cover the position with the players they already had.

That’s why what Díaz himself recently said on Sky is particularly noteworthy. “Of course, I always want to play. But if there’s someone who can help out in my position: Welcome. That helps a lot when things aren’t going well. Then you have a teammate there to help you—and that’s how you take turns. That’s very important. I would have liked that. But well, it didn’t happen. We’re good enough as we are.”

Díaz was by no means openly criticizing his club’s transfer policy. Nevertheless, he made it clear that he would certainly have welcomed another player for his position.

Eberl presents his internal solution

Photo: Getty Images

From the perspective of Bayern’s management, this alternative already exists in the squad. After the Union game, Eberl was asked about the lack of backup behind Díaz. His response was telling.

“Where did Isi score his goal from today?” replied the sporting director.

He was referring to Ismael Saibari. The summer signing had come on as a substitute against Union and scored the goal that made it 5-0 from the left side. For Eberl, this was apparently proof that Kompany has plenty of options even without another transfer.

However, Díaz and Saibari aren’t entirely comparable. The Moroccan isn’t a classic left winger; rather, he’s valuable precisely because of his versatility. He can play in the center and in several offensive positions.

Another option is once again Serge Gnabry. After his long injury layoff, the 31-year-old made his comeback against Union, thereby giving Kompany more flexibility.

So Bayern’s plan could very well pay off. With Saibari and Gnabry, there are two players ready to take some of the pressure off Díaz. However, there is still no direct replacement for his position.

That is precisely why the coming months will show whether forgoing the signing of another winger was the right decision. The fact that Díaz needs a break right now—of all times—and would have welcomed additional support himself makes this question all the more pressing.