Bayern Munich have moved decisively in the summer transfer window, completing two significant acquisitions during the World Cup as clubs across the Bundesliga continue to reshape their squads.
The German champions have secured Moroccan attacker Ismael Saibari from PSV Eindhoven and Germany international left-back Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt. Brown’s transfer is understood to have cost the Bavarian side €50 million.
Bayern bolster attack and defence
Saibari arrives with an impressive scoring record, having netted 19 goals and supplied nine assists in 37 appearances for PSV last term. The versatile forward, who can operate as an attacking midfielder, winger or striker, made an immediate impact on the international stage by scoring three times for Morocco before injury curtailed his tournament. His arrival provides Vincent Kompany with additional firepower and tactical flexibility.
Meanwhile, Brown’s signing addresses a key area of concern. The 23-year-old impressed for Germany during their 7-1 victory over Curaçao and will provide competition for Alphonso Davies, who has struggled with fitness issues. An attack-minded full-back with excellent technical ability, Brown is expected to challenge for a starting role.
Record sales and fresh faces
TSG Hoffenheim have broken their club record for a departure after allowing Ivory Coast winger Bazoumana Touré to join Newcastle United for €50 million. Touré, who arrived in Sinsheim from Swedish side Hammarby roughly 18 months ago, contributed five goals and 12 assists last season. His explosive style attracted the Premier League side, leaving Hoffenheim to reinvest in Belgian teenager Nathan De Cat.
The 18-year-old midfielder joins from RSC Anderlecht for €20 million despite his tender age, having already registered 53 senior appearances for the Belgian giants. Hoffenheim beat several top clubs to secure his signature.
Bayer Leverkusen have undergone significant change on the flanks. They welcomed 21-year-old winger Moreira from Olympique Lyon for €29.5 million after the attacker scored eight goals and laid on 11 assists in Ligue 1 last season. However, they waved goodbye to club legend Alejandro Grimaldo, who returned to Spain with Atlético Madrid for €22 million. The 30-year-old left-back departs with 30 goals and 45 assists from 145 appearances and a German double winners’ medal.
Midfield and defensive reshuffles
RB Leipzig have secured the services of energetic central midfielder Rocco Reitz from Borussia Mönchengladbach for €20 million. The 21-year-old will compete with recent arrival Assan Ouedraogo and Nicolas Seiwald for a starting berth.
Borussia Dortmund moved to address defensive concerns by signing 19-year-old centre-back Gadou from RB Salzburg for €19.5 million. The tall, powerful teenager’s arrival is timely given Nico Schlotterbeck’s injury, and he is expected to slot directly into the starting line-up.
Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen continued their focus on young talent by acquiring 16-year-old midfielder Kenneth Eichhorn from Hertha BSC for €9 million, fending off interest from several European heavyweights. SC Freiburg have strengthened their goalkeeping options with the capture of Backhaus from Werder Bremen, with the keeper arriving to replace Noah Atubolu, who has expressed a desire to leave the club.