Bayern Munich, like a lot of other European giants, are going through a transitional phase. The record German champions will have their work cut out for the upcoming summer transfer window.
David Alaba has already announced his departure from Sabener Strasse after arriving as a 16-year-old youngster from Austria Vienna in 2008.
Javi Martinez is also out of contract in the summer and the club are unlikely to extend his signature. Youth prospect Angelo Stiller has already signed a pre-season deal to join Hoffenheim in the summer.
Meanwhile, Jerome Boateng is also in the final months of his contract and is free to talk to other clubs for a potential move once the season is finished.
Sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic began his homework early and the Bavarian giants have already announced the signing of French defender Dayot Upamecano from RB Leipzig, with Bayern prevailing over Chelsea and Liverpool in the race to secure his signature.
They have other positions to fill, so let's take a look at the potential targets Bayern Munich are likely to go for this summer:
#5. Omar Richards
The Reading left back is a free agent this summer and it is being said that Hasan Salihamidzic has set his eyes on the former England U21 international. Widely regarded by many as the best left back in the Championship, the Englishman is close to signing a contract with the European Champions.
He is versatile and can slot into left midfield and left center back positions as and when required to. He will fill the hole left by David Alaba next season and will primarily be acting as backup to Alphonso Davies in the left back position. Meanwhile, Lucas Hernandez moves into central defense post-summer.
#4. Denis Zakaria
Bayern Munich are short of depth and quality in midfield post the departure of Thiago last summer and are likely to face a further shortage as Javi Martinez is likely to leave the club at the end of the season.
Denis Zakaria, the Swiss international, is out of contract at Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer of 2022 and it is highly likely that Max Eberl will put the player on the market this summer to avoid losing him as a free agent next year.
He is a versatile player who is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also slot in as a center back as and when required, which will make him a valuable addition to the Bayern midfield.
#3. Florian Neuhaus
Florian Neuhaus is the second Gladbach player on the list. Neuhaus is a versatile midfielder who has been on the rise with his eye-catching performances for The Foals over the past 18 months and is also being tracked by the likes of Liverpool.
Bayern might face further competition should they seriously consider signing the German international. Neuhaus is unlikely to stay at Monchengladbach next season if they fail to qualify for Europe.
He reportedly has a €40 million release clause in his contract which can be activated this upcoming summer. Bayern might try to use the influence of their fellow German players in the dressing room and that could be an advantage over other clubs in the race for his signature.
#2. Lucien Agoume
Bayern have been heavily scouting young, promising players in recent years. They have invested a lot in their youth campus and are trying to promote youngsters from within the ranks while also snapping up high potential youngsters from other clubs.
Bayern chief scout Marco Neppe has played a big role in this change and this summer he has his eyes on French starlet Lucien Agoume, who is currently playing for Spezia on loan from Inter Milan.
The French U19 international is a defensive midfielder by trade and is having a contract with the Nerazzurri till June 30, 2023. Inter are unlikely to easily part with their future prospect, and Bayern Munich might have to shell out whatever Inter Milan demand to get his signature this summer.
#1. Eduardo Camavinga
Eduardo Camavinga is one of the most sought after midfielders in Europe right now. The 18-year-old French international is a key cog in the Stade Rennais side and is being chased by several big names in Europe. His agent Jonathan Barnett who also represents Gareth Bale, recently spoke:
"The four or five teams that want him will not be able to sign him for 50 million. There have been no serious talks yet. But Camavinga will cost a lot of money. Maybe the Spanish teams can't afford him,"
Camavinga will be a much-needed breather in the Bayern midfield as they struggle to play at their best in the absence of Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich in midfield these days.
Camavinga has a contract until the summer of 2022 and if he does not extend with his youth club, he is very likely to leave the club this summer and Bayern will surely be monitoring his situation closely.