The elimination from the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain was extremely bitter for FC Bayern. After two top-class matches, the record champions ultimately missed out on a place in the final of the premier class by the narrowest of margins. For this very reason, the elimination should have provided those responsible with important insights for the upcoming summer transfer window
Despite their elimination against PSG, there is no doubt that FC Bayern are back at the top of Europe this season. Vincent Kompany’s team was stable for long stretches, spectacular in attack and much more solid overall than in previous years
The last few transfer periods in particular have been largely successful, with players such as Luis Díaz, Jonathan Tah and Michael Olise making an immediate impact and adding quality to the squad. At the same time, young players have been given more and more opportunities, while some highly paid professionals without consistent performances have already left the club or are yet to do so
Nevertheless, the semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain also showed the limitations of the current squad. Michael Olise was completely taken out of the game by PSG at times, Jamal Musiala was visibly not yet at 100 per cent and the French had slight advantages in midfield in terms of control and dynamism
They weren’t missing worlds – but small elements that make the difference at the very highest level
This is precisely why the focus in the summer should not be on radical changes, but rather on making targeted adjustments and giving the squad new impetus
Offense and defense remain the biggest construction sites
Max Eberl and Christoph Freund still have a lot of work to do, especially with regard to the entire squad and not just the first eleven. As things stand at the moment, several squad places will become vacant, which is why selective reinforcements are firmly planned
The focus is likely to be on the attack in particular. Behind Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala, Michael Olise and Luis Díaz, there is simply a lack of quality width at the moment. In the semi-final against PSG, it was clearly evident that Bayern’s bench lacked fresh top players for the attack
The record champions will hardly be satisfied with Serge Gnabry and talented Lennart Karl alone in the long term , which is why Anthony Gordon is still considered a hot candidate for the left flank
In addition, those responsible are apparently also discussing a striker with development potential or an experienced backup for Harry Kane. The name Dusan Vlahovic in particular has recently been heavily linked with the record champions
Bayern are also likely to be active in the full-back positions, as the record champions are currently lacking a technically strong player who combines stability and creativity
Givairo Read, who is currently on the market, would fit the bill perfectly, as the Dutchman is considered to be technically sound, a strong player and capable of development – exactly the qualities that Bayern’s defense is currently lacking
The central midfield could also become an issue once again, with Leon Goretzka leaving the club. Tom Bischof is considered a great talent, but needs time to develop. Relying exclusively on young players like Noel Aseko behind him could be too risky
It will also be interesting to see what happens to the many loan players who no longer have any prospects under Kompany, including Joao Palhinha, Bryan Zaragoza, Sacha Boey, Daniel Peretz and Alexander Nübel
There are also players such as Hiroki Ito, Alphonso Davies and Minjae Kim who are under observation and who Bayern would certainly be willing to talk to if they received a lucrative offer in the summer
Bayern reminiscent of the summer of 2012
The current situation is reminiscent of the summer of 2012, when FC Bayern also narrowly failed to reach the Champions League and subsequently reacted by making pinpoint transfers such as Javi Martínez and Mario Mandzukic
The starting position appears to be similar this time too: the basis is right, the team is competitive and has enormous potential. Now it is a matter of targeting the last small weaknesses
The decisive factor will therefore be less the number of transfers and more the quality and accuracy of the signings.