Bayern Munich have set their sights on a new center back.
“The Bavarians are focusing their attention on Sokratis Papastathopoulos, 35, as they look to bolster their defense in the January transfer window next year,” Italian outlet Sport Mediaset reported on Sunday (Feb. 22).
Munich is one of the favorites to win the Bundesliga this season. After eight games in the league, they have six wins and two draws for 20 points and are in a tight race with Leverkusen and Stuttgart at the top of the table. 메이저놀이터
It’s not without its concerns. The depth of the defense is too thin. Dayo Upamecano has been sidelined with injury, leaving only Kim Min-Jae and Matthijs de Ligt at center back.https://dropshix.com
Injuries aside, the need to sign a center back is a constant. With the Bavarians aiming to win the Bundesliga, Champions League, and cups, the consensus is that they need to have at least four center backs.
As such, the Bavarians have been pushing to bring back Jerome Boateng, 35. The Bavarians were keen to bring in the clubless Boateng to ease the physical burden on Kim Min-jae and Der Licht.
The deal did not materialize. A stumbling block was that Boateng was on trial for assaulting his girlfriend. “We will not bring Boateng back,” said Munich president Uli Hoeneß.
The next best option is Sokratis. According to the report, Munich are very interested in Sokratis, who would be available on a free transfer.
Sokratis is well known as a veteran center back. He has played for Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal, winning one German Cup and one English FA Cup.
While at Dortmund, he formed a priestly relationship with head coach Thomas Tuchel. Sokratis became a key part of the Dortmund defense under Tuchel from 2015 to 2017.
A reunion with Tuchel is not out of the question. Sokratis’ contract with Olympique Lyonnais expired this summer. He has yet to find a new club. It shouldn’t be too difficult to sign him.