VfB Stuttgart is fighting for Guirassy
FC Bayern is feverishly looking for the top winter transfer
December 28, 2023, 1:28 p.m
DFB Cup winners RB Leipzig have already struck, and planning at the other clubs is in full swing. FC Bayern is doing everything it can to find a central defender. The winter transfer window opens on January 1st. BVB also wants to eliminate a construction site in the squad.
Thomas Tuchel wants to close the defensive gaps at FC Bayern, VfB Stuttgart is fighting to keep its top striker Serhou Guirassy, Bayer Leverkusen has banned sales in the title race. Personnel planning for the second half of the Bundesliga is in full swing – and will pick up speed again when the winter transfer window opens on January 1st. New stars are on the rise, others are about to leave.
Above all, VfB Stuttgart has to tremble. Guirassy, who played a key role in the Swabians’ success with 17 goals, is hotly sought after across Europe. The exit clause of 17.5 million euros is a bargain compared to the market. In addition to clubs from the Premier League, former Italian champions AC Milan are now also said to have expressed interest. According to “Gazzetta dello Sport”, Milan are offering the attacker a four-year contract.
FC Bayern has no problems on offense. Instead, the record champions are looking for defensive reinforcements before the transfer deadline on February 1st. It is unclear whether there will be a new addition. “We’ll try to strengthen the team in the winter. That’s not easy and I don’t know if we’ll succeed,” coach Tuchel said recently. “If we manage to strengthen the team, then it depends on whether it’s a specialist, then it may be that we need two players or whether it’s someone who can play several positions, then it may be that one is enough.”
FC Bayern fears the Asian Cup
In Matthijs de Ligt, Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae, Tuchel only has three regular central defenders at his disposal. However, South Korean Kim will be missing from Bayern during the Asian Cup (from January 12th). Joao Palhinha is considered a specialist for the six. After the last-minute failure of the transfer in the summer, the Munich team could dare to make a new attack on the Portuguese from FC Fulham. However, a second transfer would then be necessary. Ronald Araujo (FC Barcelona) and Raphael Varane (Manchester United) are considered alternatives for central defense.
RB Leipzig has already won. The DFB Cup winners signed North Macedonian international Eljif Elmas as the successor to playmaker Emil Forsberg from Italian champions SSC Napoli. According to the media, the transfer fee should be 23 million euros.
Bayer Leverkusen does not have to generate transfer income. The Bundesliga leaders want to keep the team together after the outstanding first half of the season. “Everyone is staying. We won’t be giving away any players in the winter,” assured sports director Simon Rolfes.
BVB is looking for a left-back
However, additions remain an option, just like at Borussia Dortmund. At BVB, signing a left-back is the top priority, and Sergio Reguilon (Manchester United) is the favorite. Eintracht Frankfurt is about to sign midfielder Donny van de Beek (Manchester United) and striker Rafiu Durosinmi (Viktoria Pilsen).
Meanwhile, a big name could leave the Bundesliga after just six months. European champion Leonardo Bonucci did not become the expected regular at Union Berlin and is said to be negotiating with AS Roma for star coach José Mourinho. Union, on the other hand, can make additions – and has an advantage over 1. FC Köln in the relegation battle. Due to the transfer ban confirmed by CAS, FC is not allowed to strengthen its squad.