Bayern Munich crest
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It’s fair to say that it has not been a very positive summer window for Bayern Munich so far.
The German giants have endured very public disappointments in their pursuit of several top targets in what has been an underwhelming recruitment period for the Bavarian powerhouse.
The most damaging blow came in the race for Florian Wirtz, Bayern’s primary transfer target.
Despite being prepared to spend over €130 million on the Bayer Leverkusen playmaker, Bayern lost out in spectacular fashion to Liverpool, who secured Wirtz’s signature for £116 million.
The defeat was particularly stinging given Bayern’s long-standing pursuit of the German international and their belief that he could become the face of the club.
But it was not only the attacking midfielder.
Adding insult to injury, Bayern also appear set to miss out on Athletic Club winger Nico Williams to Barcelona.
Despite making an improved offer that would pay Williams more than Barcelona’s proposal – reportedly €12 million net salary compared to Barcelona’s €8 million – the Spanish winger remains committed to joining the Catalan club.
Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl even left the Club World Cup delegation to return to Munich for urgent transfer discussions, but to no avail.
As a result of these failed attempts, it seems the perennial German champions are looking to Liverpool’s wingers in Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz to fill their need for a left-winger.
Bundesliga insider Christian Falk has reported that the pair are among the candidates for the position:
“Max Eberl should already be looking for alternative candidates for the wing. Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, for example, could be back on the radar,” the Bundesliga reporter revealed to CaughtOffside.
“The player is said to be a personal favourite of Eberl.”
“After initial talks with the Gakpo side, there has been no contact with the agents recently.
“That could now quickly change again. Teammate Luis Diaz also remains a candidate.”
Barcelona already made an attempt to sign the Colombian this summer but were rebuffed in no uncertain terms by Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Gakpo previously addressed Bayern interest while on international duty at the start of June
Speaking during a press conference, he said:
“I haven’t heard anything about it myself. I’m closing myself off from it.”
“Maybe my agent has heard something, but I am focusing on myself.”
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