This summer, FC Bayern plans to leave no stone unturned. To strengthen their defense, they are planning major investments in the transfer market.
Looking at the Bundesliga table, it’s clear that FC Bayern’s ten-point gap behind league leader Bayer Leverkusen is not necessarily due to a lack of offensive firepower. Bayern has scored ten more goals than Leverkusen. However, Leverkusen has conceded 13 fewer goals than the record champions and has shown much more stability in defense throughout the season.
To ensure that Bayern has to retrieve the ball from their own net less frequently next season, they plan to spend money in the summer to adjust their personnel. According to Sport Bild, Ronald Araújo (25) from FC Barcelona and Jeremie Frimpong (23) from the designated champions from Leverkusen are still high on the Munich club’s list.
Clauses & time pressure
Both players have release clauses in their current contracts, which would at least avoid tough negotiations with the current employers of both professionals. However, the report from the sports magazine states that the option in Frimpong’s contract, set at 40 million euros, must be triggered before the European Championship. After the tournament, this will no longer be possible.
In addition to the resulting time pressure, Bayern would also need to fend off competition to bring Frimpong to Säbener Straße. The Dutchman is reportedly eyeing a move to the Premier League, and English clubs have shown interest.
A new chance for the desired player
With Araújo, entirely different challenges arise. Last winter, Bayern’s attempts to bring the Uruguayan from Barça to the Bundesliga failed, reportedly due to a transfer veto by coach Xavi. However, he will no longer be in the coach’s seat starting next season, and the economically troubled Catalans need income.
In Munich, this situation is seen as a potential opportunity to still be able to sign Araújo, albeit six months late. According to Sport Bild, the buyout clause in his contract is in the high double-digit million range, close to the 100-million mark. Barça, on their part, had announced at the time of Araújo’s renewal that the clause was set at one billion euros.
