FC Bayern is said to have already turned its interest in a Brazilian midfield gem into a concrete offer. But the Munich club’s first attempt apparently came to nothing.
The German record champions are said to have offered around 32 million euros for Gabriel Bontempo of FC Santos—and to have been turned down. As RTI Esporte reports, the Santos bosses rejected the offer as too low. They are reportedly demanding significantly more for their homegrown talent, with a figure of just under 50 million euros being mentioned.
The high price tag for the 21-year-old is no coincidence. Bontempo extended his contract through the end of 2030 just last April and is considered a rising superstar in Brazil. This season, the youth national team player has appeared in 16 of 18 first-division matches, starting 13 times. At the storied club—where Neymar also plays—the young talent has thus made himself indispensable.
Fierce competition in Bayern’s midfield
Previously, Bontempo’s name had never been linked with FC Bayern. It’s doubtful anyway whether there would even be room in Vincent Kompany’s squad for another central midfielder. Despite Leon Goretzka’s departure on a free transfer, the competition for spots in the midfield remains fierce. According to Sky , Bayern has no plans to sign a new player for the central midfield following Goretzka’s departure.
Even if Joao Palhinha and Noel Aseko were to leave the club, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Joshua Kimmich, Tom Bischof, Jamal Musiala, Lennart Karl, new signing Ismael Saibari, and returnee Arijon Ibrahimovic would still be vying for three starting spots in the center.
Added to this is the financial situation: Club officials have already spent around 100 million euros on the transfers of Saibari and defensive prospect Nathaniel Brown. Before bringing in further reinforcements, the club must therefore first generate revenue—especially since the roster is currently bloated by six players returning from loan stints who have no prospects on the field.