Possible Bayern XI with top transfer targets.
Bayern Munich already have too much talent to choose from as it is, but with recent reports linking them with at least three more huge signings before the end of the summer, CaughtOffside put together one XI that Pep Guardiola could field if he finds success in the transfer market.
With the Bavarian giants losing versatile Spaniard Javi Martinez to what looks like a lengthy injury layoff, it has emerged that Guardiola wants to bring in cover for him at both defensive midfield and centre-back, in what could total around £38m’s worth of spending on two world class performers in their positions.
Recent talk from Bayern’s president Franck Beckenbauer has also suggested that the club remain firm on bringing in the highly sought-after Marco Reus from their rivals Borussia Dortmund, in what would be a third raid on Jurgen Klopp’s side in the space of just a year.
The challenge is finding a place for all the world class attacking players, but here’s an attempt at how Bayern could line up with their top targets brought in.
Goalkeeper and defence:
With Bayern reportedly set to rival both Manchester United and Chelsea for the signing of AS Roma centre-back Mehdi Benatia, the Bavarian giants could field a very tough-looking back four this season with the addition of the £30m man. The Moroccan international was one of the best defenders in Europe last season and could be what is needed to help Bayern tighten up a little at the back.
Midfield:
In what could be one of the best midfields in the world, Bayern would have the core of the German national team in their squad if they could combine the signing of Dortmund star Marco Reus with Real Madrid star and Arsenal target Sami Khedira to protect the defence. Reus would likely play alongside German World Cup hero Thomas Mueller in a 4-1-4-1 formation, leaving no space for another former Dortmund star in Mario Goetze. To give some perspective, top class midfielders such as Thiago Alcantara and Xherdan Shaqiri also fail to make the cut here.
Although the Bundesliga champions lost Toni Kroos to Real Madrid earlier this summer, Khedira’s arrival to replace both him and Martinez would more than make up for his departure and still give Guardiola a truly superb selection of players to choose from in the middle of the park.
Attack:
With no other targets in attack at the moment, new signing Robert Lewandowski could feed off the service of his old team-mate Reus upfront, with Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben likely to continue as the first choice wingers either side of him. Whether a 4-3-3, 4-1-4-1, or anything else, this Bayern squad looks in terrific shape and would surely be favourites to do another treble if they brought in these players to boost their ranks.
Bayern Munich XI with top targets in full:
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