Squad of the future: Matthäus recommends these three new additions to Bayern | OneFootball

FC Bayern is already working intensively on the squad for the coming years. While the Munich club has recently been mainly concerned with contract extensions and individual departures, Lothar Matthäus is already looking one step further

The record international has outlined a clear plan in Sport BILD as to how the record champions could strengthen their squad in a targeted and comparatively cost-effective manner

Matthäus‘ basic conclusion is clear: in his opinion, there is no need for radical change, but rather selective interventions. „Bayern can strengthen the squad with a few inexpensive players,“ is his assessment. Specifically, he names a trio that he believes would fit the profile perfectly: Xaver Schlager, Bazoumana Touré and Fisnik Asllani

In addition, Matthäus has a clear squad strategy. Manuel Neuer, Harry Kane, Raphael Guerreiro and Sven Ulreich should each be extended by a year. At the same time, he sees a need for action on the transfer front. He names Alexander Nübel, Daniel Peretz and Sacha Boey as candidates for sale. For Matthäus, this results in a coherent overall picture: „That would be the Bayern of the future.“

Schlager as Goretzka’s replacement in midfield

A central point in Matthäus‘ considerations is the imminent departure of Leon Goretzka. The 31-year-old’s contract will not be extended, which leaves a gap in the former Bayern captain’s view. „In midfield, Vincent Kompany still has Pavlovic and Bischof available for the double six alongside Kimmich,“ Matthäus analyses. „You’re still missing someone in the squad after Goretzka’s departure.“

His suggestion: Xaver Schlager from RB Leipzig. The 28-year-old would be available on a free transfer and brings exactly the profile that Matthäus misses in the current Bayern squad. „Schlager is available on a free transfer and is a similar type to Laimer, who is needed as a right-back. Schlager is a mentality player and very good against the ball. He brings something that Kimmich, Pavlovic and Bischof don’t have.“

Touré as a promising player behind Diaz

Matthäus also sees a need in the offensive – but not for every talent that is being traded. He expressly advises against a quick Bayern transfer for Said El Mala. „I wouldn’t advise him to go to Bayern right now,“ Matthäus clarifies. „He can’t get past Diaz at the moment. El Mala needs match practice at his age.“

Instead, he recommends another name from the Bundesliga. Matthäus says of Bazoumana Touré from TSG Hoffenheim: „I’ve heard that Bayern are interested in Hoffenheim’s Touré. A signing like that would make sense to me. Touré has shown that he has potential at TSG. Behind Diaz, he could develop and be built up for the future.“

Asllani instead of Jackson as Kane backup

The role behind Harry Kane is not yet ideal for Matthäus either. Nicolas Jackson has not convinced him in Munich so far. „Jackson just doesn’t really fit in in Munich, he doesn’t really fit in either. I think Bayern need a stronger player for the role as Kane’s back-up,“ he explains

photo: IMAGO

His favourite is once again a player from Hoffenheim. „I think Fisnik Asllani from Hoffenheim is more likely,“ says Matthäus. The 23-year-old has exactly the profile that Bayern need in the medium term. „Asllani is exactly the type of player who could fit in alongside Kane. He’s a young, up-and-coming player who still has room for improvement. Give him two years at Bayern Munich, and if Harry Kane retires at some point, you might already have a successor in your own ranks.“