Bayern Munich recently jostled away the competition from Red Bull Leipzig to secure a fifth successive Bundesliga title and guarantee their supremacy in German football continues. Nonetheless, for the club's dominance to continue growing at a considerable rate, significant summer signings are required by the club's hierarchy in the pre-season.
Munich's era of total dominance in Germany doesn't look like it could halt anytime soon, however, if the club wants to dominate European football as desired by the board, replacing big name players is a necessity this summer.
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The Bavarians have a number of players retiring, regressing and ageing, with that, unless Ancelotti is smart in the transfer market, the club may take a step backwards rather than forwards.
The German market is ideal for Munich to flex their muscles, and here are five players Ancelotti's side should move for in the off-season.
#1 Sandro Wagner – Hoffenheim
Hoffenheim's hitman has been in devastating form for Julian Nagelsmann’s team this campaign following a surprising move from the newly promoted side, Darmstadt.
Wagner was once on the books at Bayern Munich where he played four times for the Bavarians under the tutelage of Ottmar Hitzfield. After failing to make the grade at Allianz Arena, he signed for 2. Bundesliga side MSV Duisburg. Stints at Werder Bremen and Hertha Berlin occurred before his move to Darmstadt in 2015.
Wagner could prove an invaluable signing for Ancelotti's side if they can persuade their top four rivals to part with their forward. Having scored 11 goals in 22 Bundesliga games this campaign, Wagner has proven his status - at last - of being able to compete in German football's highest division.
Unfortunately for the forward, he would have to make the decision as to whether he would want to part with first-team football to become the second choice striker at Bayern behind Robert Lewandowski.
The former Germany U21 striker has flirted with the idea of returning to Munich in recent weeks following reports that a potential move could be on the cards.
#2 Benjamin Henrichs – Bayer Leverkusen
Leverkusen's right-back, Benjamin Henrichs has been touted as Phillip Lahm's long-term successor, not only at Bayern Munich but also for the German national team.
The 19-year-old has been a shining light for the German outfit this campaign, despite suffering from one of the worst seasons in the club's history. Nonetheless, Henrichs continues to be linked with a move to Germany's premier club, but a lot is needed to be learnt for him to replace Lahm's legacy anytime soon.
Naive in his defending would be the easiest way to describe the player's mistakes this season. His 46% completion rate in duels is one of the players strongest statistics. Also, no right-back has created more key passes in the opposition half than Henrichs - 28.
With Leverkusen struggling and the lure of Bayern Munich looming, Henrichs may fancy the move provided both clubs can agree a fee for the teenage full-back.
#3 Serge Gnarby – Weder Bremen
German, young, and a winger, there's little denying Serge Gnarby could easily replace Franck Ribery in the Bayern side next season. With the ageing Ribery expected to leave Bayern in the next eighteen months, Gnarby has proven himself worthy of being mentioned as a candidate to replace the legendary France international.
Gnarby signed for Bremen last summer after a turbulent spell at Arsenal which saw him make a shockingly low ten appearances in just four years with the Gunners. A move to the Green-white's has elevated his career into a different light. Nonetheless, 10 goals in just 21 Bundesliga games has since seen him linked with a move to Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
Gnarby has attempted more dribbles - 57 - than any other u21 in the Bundesliga this campaign. His versatility across the front three would make him the ideal player for Ancelotti.
#4 Julian Weigl – Borussia Dortmund
Little question marks were raised when Borussia Dortmund paid €2.75million to 1860 Munich in 2015 for the unknown (in Europe) 20-year-old midfielder. Weigl was the linchpin for the 2. Bundesliga side and has since become one of the finest deep-lying playmakers in European football today.
It remains potentially the most unlikely transfer to occur this summer, but when you consider Munich's pulling power for players like Mario Gotze, Robert Lewandowski and Mats Hummels, it won't come as a surprise if Weigl was the next one to follow suit.
Unfortunately for Bayern Munich this summer, Xavi Alonso retires from competitive football after a 17-year career. Weigl could replace the Spanish pass-master like-for-like. His passing accuracy of 87% is one of the highest in the country, and now a full German international, it ticks a number of boxes from Munich's prospective.
Trying to negotiate a fee with Dortmund could hamper any potential deal for the Bavarians.
#5 Julian Brandt – Bayer Leverkusen
Another German international on the list, and another u21 international. More than any other player on this list, Brandt has been heavily linked with a move to the German giants following his brilliant displays for Leverkusen.
Like mentioned with Gnarby, Brandt could replace Franck Ribery and/or Arjen Robben over the next 18 months as the duo's careers in Germany are coming to an end due to their increasing age. Nonetheless, signing Brandt would offer directness and a threat in front of goal from the wide areas. Six assists and three goals in 30 games may not be world-class but under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti who knows what Brandt could become.
38 key passes and an impressive shooting accuracy of 41% make Brandt an ideal signing for Ancelotti this summer. For just €20million, Munich have a ready-made replacement for their legendary winger.
