Bayern Munich are in the driver’s seat in the Bundesliga title race, but after an undefeated Bayer Leverkusen embarrassed them last season, Die Roten won’t take a six-point lead over the resurgent Werkself for granted.
Under Vincent Kompany, Bayern have made real strides since the disastrous Thomas Tuchel reign, and they are among the potential Champions League contenders, even though injuries prevent them from being among the favorites.
Since Hansi Flick’s dominant 2019/20, treble-winning season, Bayern haven’t been Champions League favorites, and there’s a sense that Max Eberl and Co. have a lot of work to do in the coming transfer windows in order to build Bayern back into being the most dominant force in European football.
Signing Harry Kane and Michael Olise to the attack were big steps in the right direction, but Bayern will need another difference-maker in the attack – and maybe even two.
Thomas Muller is too expensive to keep
According to Fabrizio Romano, Bayern Munich are expected to shed one of the last remaining vestiges of the incredible 2010s era by parting ways with forward Thomas Muller.
Although the German World Cup hero still wanted to remain with the club, it is Bayern who are finally set to draw a line in the sand and not offer the 35-year-old a contract renewal.
Muller was a key player in Bayern’s last treble triumph, but in the most recent seasons, his influence and effectiveness have waned badly. For example, Muller has scored just one goal in 23 appearances this season, mostly as a backup.
As bitter as it is for Bayern fans to wave farewell to such a legendary figure at the club, Muller was well past his expiration date. And that’s particularly true when you look at the fact that he is one of three players at the club earning 20 million euros per season – and he’s not even a starter.
Look, 20 million euros for one goal is a terrible return on investment, irrespective of how much Muller has accomplished in his career or how much he has given to Bayern Munich over the years.
Clearing out his roster spot and his salary will help Bayern pursue an attacking midfielder with more juice to give, as Bayern have been closely eyeing Bayer Leverkusen superstar Florian Wirtz as a dream signing.
Although Bayern already have one of the world’s best attacking midfielders in Jamal Musiala, the two young German internationals can co-exist and do fine work together for the national team.
Aside from hurting their biggest title rival, Wirtz is arguably the best player in Germany alongside Musiala, and Bayern’s modus has always been to have the best players in the country.
Muller once held that status, and, now, Wirtz does. And on talent alone, Wirtz should be able to exceed Muller, and while he has done great things at Leverkusen, like Robert Lewandowski in the last decade, he can accomplish even more with the platform Bayern provides.
Clearing out Muller can help Bayern push harder financially for this dream signing. The left wing position should be Bayern’s big attacking priority this summer, but in terms of overall ability and future upside, Wirtz should be Bayern’s No. 1 dream target in 2025.
Joe Soriano covers West Ham for Green Street Hammers and writes about Real Madrid for The Real Champs. He has extensive experience covering world football since 2014. Joe is an editor for The Trivela Effect, where he covers the biggest clubs in European football. He has watched professional sports regularly since 2002 and can be found playing the same sports he covers with his friends.