When FC Bayern began planning for the summer transfer window, there was a lot of talk about signing a player for the left wing, as well as a backup for Harry Kane and a fullback. Things have changed a bit since then.
But that has nothing to do with any lack of planning on the part of the record champions—quite the opposite. Rather, it has to do with market opportunities that the club has now seized. Nathaniel Brown of Eintracht Frankfurt is set to join as a left-sided player and, thanks to his versatility, could cover multiple positions.
At the same time, he’ll allow Alphonso Davies to get more rest and perhaps even play a more attacking role at times. That’s in his nature anyway.
And Ismael Saibari of PSV Eindhoven—who is said to have already signed digitally, though his transfer won’t be announced until July—is also influencing Bayern’s plans.
The backup striker will no longer be needed
Especially in a summer when FC Bayern is once again keeping a very close eye on its financial balance, investments must be spot-on. Investing 55 million euros in Saibari, who has been playing brilliantly at the World Cup so far, sends a clear message.
But it makes sense—especially because it allows Bayern to avoid one other transfer: that of a backup for Harry Kane up front. There have been relatively few rumors lately, and when there were, they centered on Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus. The problem with him, however, is that despite his expiring contract, he’s expensive and might not be willing to accept the role of second choice on a permanent basis.
As for Nicolas Jackson, it became clear fairly quickly that his loan wouldn’t be extended and that the club wouldn’t sign him permanently. With Saibari—who also played at times as a sort of false 9 for Morocco and can generally be deployed as a deep-lying forward or a number 10—the situation is changing.
More flexibility in Bayern’s offense
The 25-year-old simply provides more flexibility. Bayern can deploy not only Davies but also Jamal Musiala on the left wing at times. From there, he would act more as a playmaking winger. On top of that, the Saibari deal also allows Serge Gnabry to pop up in the attack more often. And just like that, you have two options to replace Kane.
Now, some might feel that the midfield lacks a certain physical presence when Kane isn’t on the field. But the record champions’ style of play isn’t really built around that anyway. This is also evident in the fact that Kane often drops deep and initiates plays from there.
What’s more, with this flexibility in the roster, young players can also be given the chance to prove themselves from time to time. After all, having multiple players who can cover multiple positions also means a smaller overall roster size. This is already an issue at FC Bayern anyway, as the club aims to further develop its youth academy.