It’s not been the smoothest of starts for Carlo Ancelotti at Bayern Munich, taking over from Pep Guardiola, who comfortably wrapped up three league titles during his tenure. The Bundesliga has been much more competitive this season, despite Bayern at the summit of the German League, as the likes of Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig have proved to be no pushovers.
Before starting his mega project at Munich, Ancelotti announced two mega signings in the form of Mats Hummels and Golden Boy winner Renato Sanches, who are yet to display their best in a Bayern shirt.
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Meanwhile, the Bundesliga giants have already seen the departure of Julian Green to Stuttgart, while injury prone defender Holger Badstuber snubbed a move to Manchester City and signed for Schalke 04 on loan till the end of the season.
Having confirmed deals for Hoffenheim duo - Sebastian Rudy and Niklas Sule, who will move in the summer, these are the other players that Carlo Ancelotti will have on his shopping list this transfer window:
#5 Faouzi Ghoulam
The highly rated left-back has been one of the key players for Simone Inzaghi’s side this season, providing 6 assists in 21 appearances across all competitions. And it’s no surprise the Algerian is on Bayern’s radar as his offensive and defensive traits have transformed him into a quality fullback.
While the Naples star is currently on duty for his national side in the AFCON, he has also been attracting interest from the likes of PSG and Chelsea. Ghoulam has refrained from putting pen to paper to a new contract which expires in 18 months.
The Serie A outfit offered to double his paycheck by offering him £30,000 a week but is nowhere close to Ghoulam’s desired £40,000 target. His agent has also admitted that the Algerian defender is insisting on a £34 million buy-out clause on his new contract, which could be a fee that Bayern will be willing to pay.
#4 Nelson Semedo
The Portuguese full-back has been hugely responsible for Benfica’s lead in the Primeira Liga this season, and the Portugues is a target of English giants Manchester United this January. The youngster found a place in the starting XI after the exit of Benfica legend Maxi Pereira, who moved to rivals Porto in 2015.
An offensive minded right back, Semedo’s high intense play in the final third and no nonsense defending has made him stand out this season. The Portuguese defender has a £38 million buyout clause in his contract.
Ancelotti is set to battle old foe Jose Mourinho, and the Portuguese defender has emerged as a long-term heir to Philipp Lahm. Both of Bayern’s veteran right backs, Philipp Lahm and Rafinha have 18 months left on their contract, and the Italian manager is already keeping his targets ready.
#3 Stefan de Vrij
Having emerged as a key member of the Dutch squad when they finished third place in the 2014 World Cup, de Vrij is a sound option as a backup defender for the Bavarian club. The central defender, unfortunately had to sacrifice his playing time for Lazio last season after a horrific injury, but since his return, de Vrij has been a sturdy figure at the back for Lazio.
Good in the air, the Dutchman can read the game and can commit to tackles with no hassles. His composure and temperament on the ball can be a big upgrade to someone like Javi Martinez – who is a holding midfielder or even David Alaba, who has also slotted in the central defence role this season.
With just over 40 appearances for the Biancocelesti, de Vrij’s contract expires next summer. The Dutchman has been valued at around £35 million by the Italian club.
#2 Julian Brandt
One of Bundesliga’s hottest youth prospects, Julian Brandt has transformed under Leverkusen manager Roger Schmidt, and had previously snubbed a move to Bayern Munich to move to the BayArena two years ago. And after being involved already in nine goals for his struggling side, the German wonderkid would be a huge asset for Carlo Ancelotti who faces intense competition from Liverpool for the young German’s signature.
Brandt combines pace and trickery well to beat defenders while charging forward. The 20-year-old is two-footed and is physically strong to win duels.
While Brandt has admitted that he would reject Bayern Munich for the second time, an underperforming Leverkusen team and a slim chance of qualifying to the knockout stages of the Champions League this season could tempt the German for a bigger project with Bayern.
#1 Marco Verratti
Marco Verratti would offer dynamism into any midfield, and Ancelotti would be keen on reuniting with his Italian counterpart. Verratti’s profile rose when he helped Pescara gain promotion to the Serie A in 2011-12, along with wrapping up the Bravo award for the best U-21 player in Europe that brought him interest. Ancelotti, who was then managing PSG, signed the midfielder, who has since been a revelation for the Les Parisiens, and has helped the team win four consecutive Ligue 1 titles.
A technically gifted midfielder, Verratti possesses excellent vision along with a varied passing range and can retain the ball in crunch spaces despite his small physique.
With Xabi Alonso announcing his retirement at the end of the season, Verratti could be the perfect replacement for the veteran midfielder.
