They may have clinched their fifth Bundesliga title in a row, but there are plenty of areas that Bayern Munich need to improve if they are to retain their crown next season.
With the retirements of club legend Philipp Lahm and Xabi Alonso, Carlo Ancelotti has lost two players who featured heavily in the Italian’s first campaign at the helm. Add to the fact that Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben aren’t getting any younger, there are certainly aspects of the team that could certainly be improved.
Starting with two confirmed arrivals, Niklas Sule and Sebastian Rudy, they have no doubt strengthened in two positions they needed to.
#1 Niklas Sule
Prior to the closure of the 2016/17 campaign, Bayern Munich confirmed that Hoffenheim defender Niklas Sule would be joining the club in a multi-million-euro deal.
This is a deal that most certainly needed to happen. Although Bayern Munich arguably have Europe’s – and Germany’s – best two central defenders in Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng, the latter could be departing the Allianz Arena if paper talk is anything to go by.
For just €20 million, Bayern have got their hands on a potential future Germany captain. With 108 games in the Bundesliga already at just 21-years-old, Sule is well worth the fee Bayern have paid for him, given the fact he’s also German – his performances last season under Julian Nagelsmann earned him his first Germany cap.
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#2 Sebastian Rudy
Perhaps not a Bayern Munich signing on paper, Sebastian Rudy’s arrival to the champions is one that makes sense. Signing on a free contract, the 27-year-old offers great versatility, which is something Carlo Ancelotti has been lacking.
Perhaps a replacement for Philipp Lahm, Rudy can play right-back, whilst he’s also featured in central midfield – whilst Joshua Kimmich can occupy the position that Rudy doesn’t.
On a free transfer, Rudy is a relatively risk-free signing. With almost 200 games in the Bundesliga for Hoffenheim, the 27-year-old will most certainly be used to some degree next season.
#3 Corentin Tolisso
As Xabi Alonso has retired from football and Renato Sanches is not living up to the hype just yet, Bayern Munich need to make a move for a central midfielder. Both Thiago and Arturo Vidal have had brilliant seasons, but other than the duo, the champions look short in midfield heading into next season.
Hence the move for Corentin Tolisso. Reports suggest that Chelsea are also interested in the Lyon and France midfielder, whilst his favoured club is Bayern, per multiple reports. Media in France suggest that Ancelotti has spoken directly on the phone with Tolisso as the German club look to tie up a deal.
Although €40 million may seem steep for the 22-year-old, there’s no questioning his ability and potential to succeed at the highest level. Tolisso can play in either deep or an advanced role throughout the middle, whilst he possesses great passing ability.
A signing that would be well worth the fee.
#4 Alexis Sanchez
With just 12 months remaining on his current Arsenal contract, speculation of a move away from the Premier League club is increasing with every passing day. Although the Chile international looked certain to join Manchester City, it’s Bayern Munich that look like front-runners, should Alexis depart Arsenal this summer.
As previously mentioned, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben aren’t getting any younger, whilst Bayern Munich lack depth on the flanks, especially with Douglas Costa reportedly interested both AC Milan and Juventus.
Alexis has just enjoyed his best scoring season, netting 24 times in the Premier League, whilst the 28-year-old will certainly improve Bayern Munich in the forward role, given the poor season that Thomas Muller had.
Bayern Munich should go for Alexis, as he could prove to be the signing of the window should this move happen.
#5 Jean-Michael Seri
Whilst Bayern Munich’s interest in Corentin Tolisso is concrete, should the move fail to materialise they could make a move for OGC Nice midfielder, Jean-Michael Seri.
Arsenal, Barcelona and AS Roma are all said to be interested in the 25-year-old Ivorian who has been a standout player in Ligue 1 this season. The €40 million price tag on Seri may seem high, whilst Tolisso would be the better option should Ancelotti use the same formation as he did in 2016/17.
This transfer looks to be on the backburner and whilst a central midfielder is needed, Seri is not the player they should be chasing.
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