Last season, the Bundesliga had one of Europe’s most exciting title races. Union Berlin and Freiburg kept pace for much of the season before some poor form eliminated both. RB Leipzig, on the other hand, started the season poor but almost brought themselves into things, hitting a great patch of form at the end of the season. However, it was Dortmund who had the title in their hands on the final day — before a tie against Mainz and a late goal from Jamal Musiala ensured Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga for the 11th consecutive season.
With several teams so close to winning the league, only a few smart transfers are needed for some clubs. Even Bayern Munich has room for improvement after one of their worst seasons in years. Thankfully, the Bundesliga is one of the best recruiting leagues in the world — but which players should these clubs look at?
Bayern Munich — Dusan Vlahovic
The reigning Bundesliga champions, Bayern clearly needs some improvement up front. I’ve previously written about why the club should look at Lautaro Martínez, but, at the moment, that doesn’t look too possible. Juventus, on the other hand, has put some key figures up for sale — including Vlahovic.
A physical striker with an eye for goal, Vlahovic gives Bayern what they need — someone they can find in the box when they need a goal. He would be expensive, but it’s better than leaving Choupo-Moting up front all season.
Borussia Dortmund — André Almeida
Dortmund has already been making some moves, and will reportedly soon replace Jude Bellingham with Edson Álvarez. However, the midfield still needs some improvements, especially with the loss of depth as Mahmoud Dahoud is also leaving the club. Enter André Almeida.
Almeida was key for Valencia this season as the Spanish club avoided relegation. Despite the club’s struggles, he was impressive in a versatile role not too dissimilar from Bellingham’s in Dortmund. With the Spanish club’s financial struggles, Dortmund could get the 22-year-old for relatively cheap.
RB Leipzig — Arda Güler
Leipzig has also done quite a bit of business so far, bringing in Salzburg duo Benjamin Sesko and Nicolas Seiwald. Goalkeeper is arguably the club’s weakest position, but Genk talent Maarten Vandevoordt will join next season. Barring any major transfers — Josko Gvardiol and Dominik Szoboszlai have been rumored to leave — they have no major weaknesses.
However, Szoboszlai will leave eventually, and when he does, Leipzig need a replacement ready. Liverpool’s Fabio Carvalho has been linked with the club, but Fenerbahce’s Arda Güler would be an improvement — just 18, he’s been impressing in the Süper Lig for two seasons now and deserves a move.
Union Berlin — Fabricio Díaz
Union has been overachieving on a limited budget, and will likely continue to search for bargains this summer. Already they’ve signed a striker, Mikkel Kaufmann, and a midfielder, Alex Kral, while making two loan moves permanent.
Union has a system that is very good, and, in Urs Fischer, a manager that knows how to get his team to work well together. However, signing Fabricio Díaz would be a real statement — the u20 World Cup winner is starring for the Uruguayan Liverpool, and the young midfielder would surely be interested in minutes and Champions League soccer.
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Image Courtesy of Mintone97, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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