Transfers on hold: FC Bayern’s central defender puzzle | OneFootball

FC Bayern’s plans for the defense currently resemble a delicate game of dominoes. In the BILD podcast Bayern Insider, Christian Falk and Tobi Altschäffl analyze why several personnel issues are blocking each other – and why only one decision will trigger everything else

FC Bayern’s central defense is currently at a standstill, but not by chance. Rather, the Munich team is deliberately waiting because several options depend on each other. „There’s still a domino in the defense,“ Christian Falk sums up the situation. „When will the first stone fall?“ This question not only concerns the sporting management, but also influences the entire transfer strategy for the coming summer

Stones as a rumor – but no real Bayern profile

photo: IMAGO

One name that has been circulating recently is Manchester City’s John Stones. The Englishman has been talked about in the media as a possible option, especially if the Upamecano issue drags on. But internally, enthusiasm is limited. Falk makes it clear that the link is more likely to come from the advisors. „The advisors are of course spreading the word a lot,“ he explains, pointing out that Stones has also been linked with clubs from Italy, Spain, Saudi Arabia and the USA

In sporting terms, however, the profile only fits to a limited extent from Bayern’s point of view. After consulting English sources, Tobi Altschäffl sums it up clearly: „His feet are not fast enough for Kompany.“ For the style of play that Vincent Kompany wants to establish at FC Bayern, dynamism and pace in the final line are essential. Altschäffl admits that Stones has qualities, for example in the build-up play or in heading power, but the overall package is not convincing. „He doesn’t quite fit the profile for soccer,“ is the conclusion

Bastoni too expensive – Bayern not at the table

Another prominent name is Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan. The Italian international is regarded as one of the best central defenders of his generation in Europe. But that is precisely the problem. „Inter want 80 million – Bayern is not at the table,“ Falk makes it clear. Bastoni is tied up long-term until 2028, which further strengthens the Italians‘ negotiating position

This price is not feasible for FC Bayern, especially as they are working on several construction sites at the same time. Falk emphasises that although such names inevitably appear on lists, they are more for the purpose of sounding out the market. „Bayern have to compile a list, which is why there are so many names on the move,“ he explains. Bastoni is one of them – but a transfer is not realistic

Schlotterbeck as the obvious solution

photo: IMAGO

Things become much more concrete when looking at the Bundesliga. Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund is the most logical option for Altschäffl should Dayot Upamecano leave the club. „That would be the most obvious solution for me,“ says Altschäffl. Particularly appealing: Schlotterbeck is hesitant to extend his contract in Dortmund, while the really big international clubs have not yet made any serious approaches

Schlotterbeck knows Jonathan Tah from the national team, speaks German, knows the Bundesliga – and would be ready for action immediately. „Then you approach Dortmund and say: We’ll pay you 35 or 40 million,“ Altschäffl outlines a possible scenario. Compared to international alternatives, that would be a manageable investment for Bayern.