Bayern need a top centre-back: is Schlotterbeck set to replace Kim? | OneFootball

The personnel matter of Nico Schlotterbeck continues to be a topic of discussion. After recent reports circulated about FC Bayern's concrete interest in the Dortmund central defender, Felix Kroos also spoke out – and openly suggested to the record champion a transfer of the BVB star.

In the SPORT1 show Doppelpass, the 34-year-old spoke plainly and emphasized that FC Bayern needs to reconsider its defensive structure: “We always talk about the depth in the offense at FC Bayern before the season. But you need that throughout the entire squad – also in defense,” explained Kroos.

This referred to the current squad composition of the German record champion, which, although having strong individual players, operates with a thin personnel cover in central defense. Kroos’ clear opinion: FCB urgently needs more quality in defense.

“I mean TOP central defenders”

Kroos was particularly clear when he analyzed the current lineup of Munich's central defense: “Doesn't Bayern need three top central defenders?” he asked rhetorically – and added: “I mean top central defenders.”

This indirectly targeted Minjae Kim, who is currently considered the third central defender behind Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano. For Kroos, the level in depth is not sufficient to consistently compete at the highest level – especially considering the multiple burdens in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League.

The sporting future of the South Korean still hangs with a big question mark in Munich. The 28-year-old is repeatedly linked with an early departure. A sale of Kim could secure the necessary financial means for FC Bayern for a Schlotterbeck transfer – even if Upamecano should extend his contract.

Photo: IMAGO/Maximilian Koch

Kroos praises Schlotterbeck's development

That Nico Schlotterbeck is repeatedly linked with FC Bayern in this context does not surprise the former Union and Bremen professional. Kroos sees the national player in strong development: “You can see a clear progression in him. In his first four international matches, I think he caused three penalties – now he plays much more maturely and stably.”

Besides his defensive stability, Kroos particularly highlights Schlotterbeck's offensive qualities: “He has an outstanding game opening, long diagonal balls that immediately create pressure forward. Such defenders are worth their weight in gold nowadays.”

Whether FC Bayern actually shows concrete interest in Schlotterbeck remains to be seen. Sky recently reported that the Munich team is closely monitoring the situation of the 25-year-old – especially with regard to the expiring contract of Dayot Upamecano, whose future in Munich remains unclear.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.