If Bayern Munich opts to sign a right-back, there could be some congestion on the back-line next season in Bavaria.
When Joshua Kimmich shifted from being one of the world’s preeminent right-backs to his new, permanent role as a central midfielder, a hole opened up on the Bayern Munich roster.
Sure, Benjamin Pavard has been a more than adequate replacement for Kimmich, but the long-term plans for the 24-year-old Frenchman appear to be as a center-back. Alvaro Odriozola was brought in on a loan to be a band-aid for the rest of this season, but the 24-year-old Spaniard is expected to promptly return to Real Madrid once his loan assignment expires.
All of that has reportedly led Bayern Munich to hunt for a long-term solution at right-back. On the surface, Pavard’s stellar performance at right-back has far exceeded his uneven performances at center-back, but the club’s management appears to be set on finding a new long-term starter.
Per Sport Bild, Bayern Munich will have a few options. While these names have already been bandied about in the rumor mill, the reality of a move is getting closer to fruition. One of the more popular options appears to be 19-year Dutch-American Sergino Dest:
Bayern Munich has been watching the 19-year-old Sergino Dest from Ajax Amsterdam for a long time. Dutch media reported that Bayern already made an offer last winter. The Dutchman is considered a top talent, fast, strong on the ball, with a lot of drive forward — similar to Bayern’s rising star Alphonso Davies on the left defensive side.
Another player who has reportedly caught Bayern Munich’s eye is FC Barcelona’s Nelson Semedo. Sport Bild cited a report from Radio Cataluyna that stated that Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan were all scoping the 26-year-old.
Absent from the report was Borussia Dortmund’s Achraf Hakimi. Hakimi, who is on loan at BVB from Real Madrid until June 30th, was linked to Bayern Munich over the winter, but the there does not appear to be any realistic opportunity for a deal to be brokered — at least as of now.
While other candidates could emerge in the coming weeks, Bayern Munich appears to be weighing a decision between Dest and Semedo.
