Bayern Munich Squad Strategy: Filling Key Positions with Declan Rice and Edson Álvarez on the Radar

The morning exchange in the coaching room is already part of the daily routine for Thomas Tuchel (49) and Hasan Salihamidzic (46). The BayernThe trainer and his sports director are usually the first people in charge to arrive at Säbener Straße.

The two use the time for discussions about squad planning. At the much-discussed meeting of the Supervisory Board on May 30, Salihamidzic wants to present his squad strategy. Then the highest body in the club can approve the budget that Salihamidzic has available for Tuchel’s new dream stars.

One thing is certain: there should not be a complete upheaval. The sporting management around Salihamidzic is convinced of the basic quality of the squad. Nevertheless, two central positions are to be filled: number six and number nine.

In the position in front of the defence, number six, there should definitely be access. The times of Joshua Kimmich (28) there are over then. The national player has his qualities as a designer, but less as a clearer. If Tuchel and those responsible have their way, the “Holding Six”, i.e. the central defensive midfielder, would be found quickly: The sporting management raves about England star Declan Rice (24).

West Ham United’s six not only organizes the game for the Premier League club, but also for the English national team. Rice is physically strong, 1.88 meters tall, sturdy. But: It is extremely expensive. His market value at transfermarkt.de is EUR 80 million, and his contract, which expires in 2024, can be extended to 2025 with an option. That makes Rice even more expensive, especially since Premier League clubs have no financial problems. Bayern decision-makers are aware that it is almost impossible to snatch a regular from a Premier League club. Especially since Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC have also kept an eye on Rice.

For the profile of the accesses it was determined: mentality and greed are at the top. This is where Ajax professional Edson Álvarez (25/SPORT BILD reported) comes into play. The Mexican plays with a lot of heart – the Borussia Dortmund scouts noticed that too. The champion rival is one step further at Álvarez, last week there was said to have been a conversation between the defensive midfielder’s advisors and Dortmund. Bayern have Álvarez on the list. If you really want to get serious with him, you have to be quick.

Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic (29) is willing to change and a mental player, but not a real clearer, rather more offensive. There is an oversupply at Bayern for his role: Kimmich, Leon Goretzka (28), newcomer Konrad Laimer (25) and Ryan Gravenberch (20) can play the eighth position.

Salihamidzic’s main task will be to find a number nine. Tuchel could well have imagined Victor Osimhen (24) in a Bayern jersey. However, the Naples star costs around 150 million euros. The coach understands that Bayern will not do crazy things on the transfer market. That’s why Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani (24) is Bayern’s number one transfer target. Tottenham’s Harry Kane (29) is still not written off.

Other names that have been discussed but are not to be pursued at this time are Chelsea pros Kai Havertz (23) and Mason Mount (24). There is no truth to the rumors of interest in Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong (22).