Bayern Munich’s future is getting brighter
- Chuck Smith
- Feb 8, 2019
- 2 min read
Bayern Munich’s acquisition of Jann-Fiete Arp from Hamburger SV may not seem like an important move in the grand scheme of things for the Bavarian Giants, but it represents another move made planning for the future.
Arp, who will have the option to join Bayern either this summer or in 2020, represents the club’s commitment to featuring top domestic talent. Arp is considered by many to be the best striker in Germany under 20 years old.
With Robert Lewandowski’s contract expiring in 2021 and no natural backup on the roster since Sandro Wagner bolted for China, it is conceivable that Arp will make his way to Munich this summer. Arp can also play wing, but he’s a natural "9" and looks like Lewandowski’s heir apparent.
Given Lewandowski’s excellent fitness and his durability, it’s not hard to think about the Poland international playing effectively into his mid-30s, which will be interesting as Arp will be looking to get on the pitch.
Regardless of Lewandowski's situation, though, the acquisition of Arp could provide some guidance on potential moves for the Bavarians this summer. Long-rumored to have an interest in Timo Werner, the RB Leipzig man could still be on Bayern's radar as his pace and ability to play wing could enhance his value, especially because Niko Kovac favors versatility among his players.
Where the situation gets cloudy is with that of Eintracht Frankfurt's Luka Jovic, who is also allegedly a prime target for Die Roten. Jovic is a a pure striker, who has been lighting it up this season for Die Adler. His performances have easily caught the attention of Bayern, but deeper-pocketed and more free-spending cubs like FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are rumored to be eyeing up the 20-year-old Serbian.
Whatever moves come next for Bayern, the club has started its roster reboot. With VfB Stuttgart defender Benjamin Pavard arriving over the summer and Chris Richards, Alphonso Davies, and Taylor Booth already in Munich, the Bavarians have started to bolster the first-team and youth rosters alike. Whether it's Werner, Jovic, Eintracht Frankfurt's Ante Rebic, Atletico Madrid's Lucas Hernandez, RB Leipzig's Dayot Upamencano, or anyone else Bayern has been linked to, the Bavarians are sure to be active and continue its reload process.
Patience is a virtue not often found in Munich, where the expectations are often greater than club's own massive success. With expectations already booming for the 2019/2020 season, Bayern will surely be ready to make whatever moves it feels are necessary to best position itself for another run at an elusive treble.
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