Bayern Advances Transfer Plans with DFB Defender in Focus

FC Bayern is accelerating efforts to strengthen its central defense, identifying two key candidates in recent weeks. The club's summer transfer strategy initially centered on acquiring a versatile attacker for the left wing or central positions and adding a full-back.

However, Bayern faced a setback when Anthony Gordon, their leading target with whom personal terms were reportedly agreed, opted to join Barcelona for €80 million, a fee Bayern declined to match. Subsequently, the focus shifted towards securing a new centre-back capable of also playing on the flanks.

Emerging Centre-Back Targets for Bayern

Among the names circulating are John Stones, available on a free transfer from Manchester City, and Josko Gvardiol, also at Manchester City. Sporting director Max Eberl has dismissed interest in Stones, narrowing the field to two serious contenders. Ibrahima Konate, set to leave Liverpool on a free transfer this summer, has attracted attention from Chelsea and Real Madrid, with Bayern reportedly engaged in talks with his representatives as well.

Konate previously formed a strong central defensive partnership with Dayot Upamecano at RB Leipzig and for the French national team. Bayern's current defense, featuring Upamecano and Jonathan Tah, has been effective, but the club is exploring options due to potential departures.

Bayern's Defensive Lineup and Backup Plans

With Min-Jae Kim and Hiroki Ito available for transfer if suitable offers arise, and Josip Stanisic remaining as the only backup, Bayern is considering additional centre-back reinforcements. Yann Aurel Bisseck has emerged as another target, with reports indicating Bayern has made formal inquiries. A notable question is why Bisseck was not selected for Germany's World Cup squad despite his strong performances.

Bisseck, who impressed at Inter Milan by securing a regular spot in the back three under manager Cristian Chivu and contributing to the team's double win, was surprisingly left out of the national team. German midfield legend Toni Kroos expressed surprise, stating, "He caught my eye last year. He's a very good centre-back who, above all, exudes something special. You don't want to play against him, or at least not necessarily go into a tackle."

Transfer Negotiations and Potential Moves

Bayern is reportedly monitoring Bisseck's situation closely and has approached Inter Milan regarding the player's availability and transfer cost. Bild reports that Inter is open to negotiations for offers starting at €40 million, and Bisseck himself is interested in a move to Munich. He could fill roles at right-back or compete for a starting position alongside or in place of the Upamecano/Tah partnership.

Bayern's pursuit of Bisseck is contingent on the likelihood of Kim's departure. Although Kim has expressed contentment in a backup role, transfer speculation persists. Bayern is actively seeking buyers for Kim and Ito, while Inter is said to have identified potential replacements for Bisseck.

Inter Milan's Defensive Plans and Bayern's Interest

La Gazzetta dello Sport recently reported that Kim could transfer to Juventus Turin in a swap deal involving Gleison Bremer, a player Bayern is also interested in. Kicker states Bayern is asking for at least €25–30 million for Kim, excluding swap deals, while tz reports Ito's asking price is around €20 million. Should Bayern sell either defender, a swap deal involving Bisseck and Inter would become a realistic option.

Other clubs such as Juventus, Milan, and Fenerbahce are monitoring Kim's situation. Inter has reportedly identified two possible replacements for Bisseck: Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo, a Juventus youth product with a promising reputation, and Udinese's Oumar Solet, who has long been linked with Inter.

Inter is also expecting departures from Francesco Acerbi and Matteo Darmian, while Alessandro Bastoni appears set to remain after a failed move to Barcelona. Bastoni, who changed agents to Giovanni Branchini, has established himself in the back three alongside Manuel Akanji and himself following a challenging start.

La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Inter would not block Bisseck's exit despite his contract running until 2029, as the club needs funds to pursue Muharemovic and Solet.