Bayern Munich plans to fill key positions in the team with a Japanese duo.
Sport Bild reported on the 3rd (Korean time) the expected move of Leroy Sané and revealed the candidates Bayern is considering to strengthen its winger position.
Sport Bild reported, "Bayern Munich is reviewing Rafael Leão (AC Milan) as the top target for acquisition if Sané leaves the team. Of course, Leão's transfer fee is high, so challenges are expected. With the failure to acquire Florian Wirtz, the pressure is significant."
It also stated, "Suddenly emerging as substitutes are Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) and Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad)," adding that "Mitoma's name is currently at the top of the scout list, and negotiations with Brighton have not yet fully progressed, but Bayern Munich is known to highly value the tactical strengths of Japanese players."
It also explained, "Kubo is also included in the discussions within Bayern Munich."
Mitoma has been linked to Bayern Munich.
Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg reported, "Mitoma is showing a very positive stance toward a transfer to Bayern Munich. The club is exploring the possibility of a transfer through contact with his agency."
However, there have been no concrete updates on the progress of negotiations since then. The predominant analysis is that the situation regarding Sané has not yet been resolved. Bayern Munich is expected to start actively acquiring replacement resources after sorting out Sané's situation.
It is also well-known that Bayern Munich is showing interest in Kubo.
Kubo has been steadily growing in La Liga and is performing as a key player for Real Sociedad. Recently, he changed his agency and is reportedly strategizing his future moves, expressing a desire to advance to a club one tier above his current team.
The background for Bayern's continued interest in Japanese players is interpreted as influenced by the success stories of Japanese players in the Bundesliga. Various Japanese players, including Daichi Kamada, Wataru Endo, and Ritsu Doan, have achieved significant results on the German stage, establishing their presence in the league, and Bayern is said to be paying attention to this trend.
However, Bayern fans' reactions are somewhat cold. Among some fans, there are reactions suggesting that Mitoma and Kubo do not match the strength level of Bayern, a world-renowned club. In particular, there is considerable skepticism about the acquisition of Japanese players given that Japanese defender Hiroki Ito, who was acquired during last summer's transfer market, did not contribute to the team due to a calf bone fracture injury.
Ultimately, Bayern's efforts to strengthen its winger position are expected to intensify after the transfer status of Sané is confirmed. If Mitoma or Kubo ends up wearing the Bayern uniform, it is likely to become a significant issue in the Japanese football community.
[OSEN]