With the signing of Bara Sapoko Ndiaye, FC Bayern has essentially finalized its plans for central midfield. Nevertheless, a surprising name has now surfaced at Säbener Straße. The Munich club is reportedly considering Roméo Lavia of Chelsea FC. However, a transfer of the Belgian seems highly unlikely under the current circumstances.
Following Leon Goretzka’s departure, Bayern deliberately decided against signing an experienced replacement. Instead, they signed Bara Sapoko Ndiaye permanently after his previous loan stint. The 18-year-old is expected to gradually take on more responsibility and is regarded as a player whose potential has particularly impressed Vincent Kompany.
Together with Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic, and Tom Bischof, the Bayern coach now has several options for the center of the field. In the event of personnel shortages, Konrad Laimer and Nathaniel Brown could also step in to help out in midfield.
Nevertheless, the Munich club is now being linked to another central midfielder.
Bayern is reportedly interested in Lavia
According to information from Chelsea insider Simon Phillips, the German record champions are looking into Roméo Lavia. “We’ve heard that Bayern Munich is interested in signing Lavia. However, if they make a move, it’s likely to be a loan with an option to buy, similar to what they did with Nicolas Jackson,” Phillips reports.
Just a few years ago, Lavia was still considered one of the Premier League’s greatest midfield prospects. In the summer of 2023, the Belgian transferred from Southampton FC to Chelsea FC for just under 60 million euros. Even back then, Bayern Munich was rumored to be interested.
In London, however, his development took a very different turn than hoped. Above all, numerous injuries repeatedly set the midfielder back. So far, Lavia has made only 43 competitive appearances for the Blues.
This has also affected his market value. While the Belgian international was once valued at 50 million euros, his current market value stands at only around 22 million euros.
This transfer would be particularly interesting because of Kompany. The Bayern coach knows his compatriot and his strengths. Lavia is technically strong, resilient under pressure, and can play in front of the defense both as a playmaker and as a defensive midfielder.
A Lavia transfer currently seems unlikely
However, it is doubtful that this reported interest will actually result in a transfer.
Recent reports indicate that FC Bayern’s executive board and supervisory board have agreed not to sign any additional players this summer. Even potential sales of João Palhinha, Sacha Boey, or Bryan Zaragoza are not expected to change this decision.
Against this backdrop, even the rumored loan deal for Lavia would come as a surprise. Bayern has just deliberately given a young player—Ndiaye—a spot on the roster. An additional midfielder would immediately reduce his chances of seeing playing time.
Added to this is Tom Bischof, who has proven himself worthy of a bigger role during preseason. Kimmich and Pavlovic are already the top candidates for the two central midfield positions heading into the season.
Given the current squad planning, a concrete move this summer would be a major surprise. Following the permanent signing of Ndiaye, there are currently strong indications that Bayern’s midfield is already complete.