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Bayern Munich is not having the best of the seasons. They are currently at the 5th place in the Bundesliga having already played 11 games. Even in the champions league, the team has not shown fighting mentality. It is quite an unusual situation for the German giants as they are expected to win every game they play.
The new coach, Niko Kovac, who had a fantastic start to his managerial career at Munich, has come under scrutiny in recent weeks. The fans are already asking the club to sack the coach. Such is the expectation at the club that even small hiccups in your journey are not allowed. Despite these bad set of games, Bayern has assured that they are fully behind their coach, but they have also indicated that the club may look to dig deep in the transfer market next season and may replace several of the top players at the club.
Here, in this article, we look at the 5 players who Bavarian Giants should consider selling next summer.
#5 Javi Martinez
The former Athletic Bilbao man has played in both midfield and defence for Bayern Munich. He was one of the most influential players in Bayern's champions league win in the 2012-13 season. Sitting deep just in front of the central defender, his task was to break up opposition play and shield the Bayern backline and he succeeded in doing that.
He started playing in the central defence position under Pep Guardiola but was again shifted back to the midfield role last year under Jupp Heynckes. This year, Kovac has preferred him in his usual position as a defensive midfielder but unlike previous years, Martinez has not been able to perform on a consistent basis and has often been too slow to stop the opposition attack. His momentarily lapse in concentration has often allowed other teams to take advantage.
Javi is still a fantastic player when in form but it looks like time is up for the Spanish International at Bayern and he may be playing his last season in Munich.
#4 Rafinha
The Brazilian footballer, who started his Bundesliga career at FC Schalke, moved to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2011. He has been a reliable player and has always performed whenever called upon. However, he has failed to hold up a regular starting position in the team and his role has often been reduced to being just a squad player.
Rafinha extended his contract for one more season last year. It was a blessing in disguise for Bayern as Rafinha often filled in for injury-prone David Alaba as a left back and also played at the right back position when Joshua Kimmich needed a rest. He is good in defense and also is a good crosser of the ball.
Bayern may not extend his contract again this season as they will be hoping to sign younger talent in order to provide competition for both Alaba and Kimmich.
#3 Franck Ribery
The Frenchman has terrorized opposition defense for a large part of his career. The left winger has been a fantastic player for Bayern and deserves high praise for his contribution in Bayern's rise to the top. His constant running on the left side of the field and his telepathic connection with Alaba has helped Bayern dominate their opponents over the years.
However, Ribery does not provide the same attacking threat that he once did. He has slowed down and often finds it difficult to play consistently for the whole 90 minutes. He has created very little this season and has not assisted a single goal this season. His goal scoring ability has also decreased. This has affected Bayern's attacking play.
With the arrival of Alphonso Davies and the emergence of Gnabry and Coman, it does seem like Ribery's days at Bayern Munich is numbered.
#2 Arjen Robben
While Bayern may have found Ribery's replacement in Kingsley Coman, they have yet to find a successor for Arjen Robben. The Dutchmen has a unique style of play and can also play as a striker. He is fast on the ball, is a very good dribbler and always looks for scoring opportunity. It is very difficult to predict his movement in the box, despite knowing that he either cuts inside or crosses the ball.
Robben, like Ribery and Rafinha, signed a one-year contract extension before the start of the season but that may not be the case again this season.
Despite being 34 years of age, Robben is still playing at the highest level but it will be very difficult for him to play with the same intensity and at the same level which is why Bayern must find a replacement for Robben.
#1 Thomas Muller
Thomas Muller knows how to be in the right position at the right time to score goals. Often termed as Raumdeuter, that is, the space creator, Muller is a very unique player. He does not possess the skill set of a true winger nor does he is a fearsome striker but he does know how to find space on the field not only for himself but for his teammates as well.
However, Muller's form has declined this year. He has not been able to play at the top level for both his club and country. He will turn 30 next year and can still offer a lot to Bayern.
The Germany International is the only true Bavarian left at the club and is a fan favorite and while we as fans may not accept this, Bayern might be looking to replace Thomas Muller next season.
