FC Bayern have been linked with various young defensive talents for weeks. The name Luka Hodak in particular has been doing the rounds in Croatia recently. But the rumours surrounding the defensive gem have now been put to rest: the 19-year-old right-back is currently not an issue for Munich. Instead, Bayern have long since changed their priorities – and are fully concentrating on Givairo Read.
The portal Hrvatska Reprezentacija recently reported that Bayern scouts had personally observed Luka Hodak on several occasions. The teenager is regarded as one of the most exciting Croatian talents on the right side of defence and is said to have quickly attracted the interest of bigger clubs due to his athleticism and intelligence.
The speculation suggested that FC Bayern could turn Hodak into a serious transfer candidate for the summer of 2026, but Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg has now corrected this assessment.
According to his information, the record champions are pursuing the youngster in principle – but without acute transfer intentions. Plettenberg explains clearly: „The talented 19-year-old Luka Hodak is currently not included in FC Bayern’s plans for the summer of 2026.“
So it’s clear: Bayern is watching, but not planning. The trail to Munich is cold, at least from a current perspective.
Read is Bayern’s desired solution
So while Hodak is not a short-term option, Bayern are already pursuing a concrete lead in the right-back position: Givairo Read, Dutch U21 international and one of the most sought-after defensive talents in Europe.
Plettenberg confirms that the record champions are focusing heavily on the 19-year-old. Read is rated internally as a potential key transfer because he combines pace, robustness and playing strength – qualities that Bayern are looking for in the future. „FC Bayern are currently concentrating on Givairo Read at right-back,“ says Plettenberg.
Sky also reported that Bayern have already held advanced talks with the player. The plan is clear: Read should move to Säbener Straße as early as next summer – ideally as a long-term solution in a position that has repeatedly been seen as a construction site in recent years.
However, Hodak has not completely disappeared from FC Bayern’s radar. Munich is known for pursuing talents who could become relevant in two to three years‘ time. Hodak falls into precisely this category: young, capable of development, technically sound – but not immediately a reinforcement for the first team.