Top five centre-backs Bayern Munich can target this summer

Bayern Munich are looking to add another centre-back to their squad this summer.

Bayern Munich will hope to return to the pinnacle of club football in both domestic and European competitions. They will try to do so under newly appointed manager Vincent Kompany after a disappointing previous campaign.

The German giants have been proactive in the transfer window so far, already completing some serious business. This includes big-name signings such as Hiroki Ito from VfB Stuttgart, João Palhinha from Fulham, and Michael Olise from Crystal Palace, for a combined transfer fee of €130 million.

Due to a serious foot injury to new defensive recruitment Hiroki Ito, the Bavarians are expected to explore the market in order to sign yet another centre-back this summer. With that said, here are the top five centre-backs Bayern Munich can target this summer:

5. Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace)

One of the best upcoming defenders in the world currently is Crystal Palace’s talented centre-back Marc Guéhi. The 24-year-old Englishman enjoyed a breakout campaign at both club and international levels last season. He looks all set for a big-money move to an elite team this summer.

In the 2023-24 season, Marc Guéhi recorded 29 appearances across all competitions, guiding Palace to an impressive tenth-place finish in the Premier League. However, Guéhi’s headline-grabbing performances came during Euro 2024. He was consistently one of England’s best players throughout their incredible run to the final of the tournament.

With his former teammate Michael Olise already joining Bayern Munich earlier in the window, Marc Guéhi could potentially be the next in line to represent the German giants for the foreseeable future.

4. Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan)

One of the most reliable defenders in Serie A over the past few seasons has undoubtedly been Inter Milan’s Stefan de Vrij. His incredible leadership skills and defensive prowess made him a stalwart figure in coach Simone Inzaghi’s robust five-at-the-back system.

In the 2023-24 season, the 32-year-old centre-back made 33 appearances across all competitions, guiding the club to a trophy double in the form of the Serie A title and the Italian Super Cup. During Euro 2024, De Vrij also played a key role in the Netherlands’ impressive semifinal run in the tournament.

With his invaluable experience and rock-solid displays, Stefan de Vrij could serve as a short-term signing this summer to instantly improve Bayern Munich’s backline.

3. Matthias Ginter (SC Freiburg)

Matthias Ginter has been one of the most consistent performers in defence for the past several seasons in the Bundesliga. Ever since his free transfer move to SC Freiburg in 2022, Ginter has elevated his game to the next level.

Last campaign, the 30-year-old defender made 34 appearances for the German club across all competitions while also registering two assists in the process. Unfortunately, his impressive showings didn’t earn him a spot in Julian Nagelsmann’s final Germany squad for Euro 2024.

Having spent his entire playing career in the Bundesliga, Matthias Ginter could be a perfect addition this summer in order to bolster Bayern Munich’s defence for the upcoming season.

2. Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund)

One of the most talented centre-backs currently in world football is none other than Borussia Dortmund’s star defender Nico Schlotterbeck. Ever since his €20 million switch from Freiburg in 2022, Schlotterbeck has been ranked among the best players in the Bundesliga owing to his incredible defensive numbers.

In the 2023-24 season, the 24-year-old versatile defender made a staggering 48 appearances across all competitions, recording an impressive two goals and five assists in the process. His stellar performances guided Dortmund all the way to the UEFA Champions League final. In addition, Schlotterbeck was also a part of the Germany squad for Euro 2024.

In order to acquire Nico Schlotterbeck’s services this summer, Bayern Munich will have to invest a huge amount of money. But this could potentially solve their long-term problems in defence.

1. Jonathan Tah (Bayer 04 Leverkusen)

Bayern Munich’s prime centre-back target throughout the summer has been Bayer Leverkusen’s rock-solid defender Jonathan Tah. Under mastermind coach Xabi Alonso, Tah was one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga last season.

The 28-year-old centre-back enjoyed a career-defining campaign, making 48 appearances across all competitions, registering six goals and one assist in the process. His stellar performances guided Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title and the DFB Pokal trophy. In addition, Tah also made four appearances for Die Mannschaft during Euro 2024.

With the two German clubs still in negotiations regarding the valuation of the player, Jonathan Tah could well and truly become a Bayern player at the end of the transfer window.

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