A Pandemic-fueled look into the future for 2020-2021: Bayern Munich's forwards
The wings and strikers for Bayern Munich have somehow been the most stable part of the squad, despite the numerous injuries suffered within the group. With Robert Lewandowski anchoring a very talented unit, Bayern Munich has a terrific base of talent in hand...but will that change?
With Bayern linked to speedsters Leroy Sane and Timo Werner, the forward grouping for 2020-2021 could have a different look if one or both players join the Bavarians in the next transfer window.
Potential Exits
Kingsley Coman: This might seem odd as Coman has had --- by all accounts --- a very good season and does not appear in any way to want to leave. Still, Bayern's fixation on Leroy Sane and commitment to Serge Gnabry could push Coman out of the starting lineup. Given his talent, would that be acceptable for the 23-year-old? Probably not for much longer than a season or two of his prime. I don't expect him to leave during the next window, but if the reality hits with a signing of Sane, Coman could re-evaluate his status and personal goals.
Coman's pace and overall ability to create mayhem offensively have been evident this season, but the France international has had some bouts with his consistency and also added several more ailments to his long injury history over the course of this season. For Coman, his fit on the Bayern roster comes down to this: How much talent is too much? There is seemingly no reason to want to unload Coman and his performance has been good to warrant an extended stay. Still, playing time would be hard to come by if Sane, Werner, or both enter the fold. Should the wing group get too crowded, it would not be totally shocking for Coman to request a transfer. To his credit, Coman does not seem too worried about anything at this stage.
If a move is to be made, it won't be driven by Bayern Munich...it would be a request from the player. It's more likely that this won;t be an issue until 2021-2022, but Coman's electric ability will make him a wanted him, especially if he's not in the XI in Munich.
Should be back: 9/10
Will he be back: 9/10
Ivan Perisic: Perisic has been fantastic as a rotational win for Bayern. A late addition to the squad, Perisic is on loan from Inter Milan, but it is rumored that the Bavarians are already trying to negotiate a lower rate on Perisic's buy-back option. Perisic has been consistent and given Bayern a stable, veteran presence on the wing. He was the perfect player to mix into the rotation (until Alvaro Odriozola hacked off a piece of the Croatian's ankle bone in training). If Perisic wants to be back, the club should have him --- especially give the injury history of Coman and Gnabry.
Perisic is a low-cost insurance policy, who still has a lot to offer. Buying the 31-year-old should be a no-brainer.
Should be back: 10/10
Will he be back: 9/10
Fiete Arp: After a strong performance in the preseason last summer, Arp has spent the majority of following months battling one unlucky injury after another. The 20-year-old showed great promise during Bayern's preseason slate of games and even gave some hope that he could fill in at both striker and wing. The kid has undeniable talent, but he might find himself caught up in a bit of a numbers game next season. Would a loan get him back in another squad's starting XI? What developmental path is best for the youngster?
In addition, should Bayern make a play for Timo Werner, Arp's future in Munich would become extremely cloudy. I think the kid is gong to be a player, but it could be a very difficult numbers game to navigate for the former Hamburger SV man.
Should be back: 10/10 Will he be back: 5/10
Potential Breakthrough Players
Joshua Zirkzee: Zirkzee certainly had moments of flair and showed a tremendous nose for the goal when given the opportunity --- but he still has a LONG way to go (and he should given his age!). Like Arp, Zirkzee's long-term future with Bayern could be determined by Bayern Munich's transfer list for next season. Who goes out and who comes in will absolutely determine what happens with Zirkzee.
Still just 18, Zirkzee could spend another season or two primarily with Bayern II if needed and it would be a normal developmental track, but the youngster has opened some eyes abroad. While he is unlikely to move this upcoming summer, he could be more primed for a change of scenery in 2021 should Bayern continue to ride Robert Lewandowski or add a player like Werner.
Barring a loan arrangement where he can be a start in a Top 5 league, Zirkzee will likely be back next season.
Should be back: 10/10
Will he be back: 10/10
Everyone Else
Robert Lewandowski: Prior to the COVID-19 induced halt to the season, Lewandowski was the best player in the world. The 31-year-old is still in excellent shape physically and is still insanely dangerous around the goal. He won't be going anywhere.
Despite how great Lewandowski has been, he somehow STILL gets overlooked. The real hope is that Champions League play continues at some point and the Polish Hitman gets an opportunity to show the rest of the world why he deserves to be ranked among the top handful of players on Earth.
Serge Gnabry: Gnabry's effort at wing has been a true bright spot for Bayern this season. While his decision-making can still leave you wanting more at times, Gnabry has been excellent this season and proved that he can be an extremely dangerous player driving down the wing. With the ability to slide to striker or secondary striker if needed, Gnabry has some versatility to go along with his talent.
While he's been great, he's not yet a complete player. At Bayern, he'll be pushed every day and how he responds over the next two years will determine whether he's going to be a longtime stalwart at the club or if he's just passing through. As of now, he looks like he's well on his way to becoming a star within the club.
For the final installment, we'll look at Bayern manager Hansi Flick and how likely it is that he'll be back for 2020-2021.
