Bayern Munich are facing challenges and uncertainties both on and off the field in the ongoing 2023/24 season.
The German side are currently sitting in second place in the table, eight points behind the leaders Bayer Leverkusen, which is not the most preferred result for the Bundesliga giants. Furthermore, the recent setbacks, including a defeat in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Lazio and elimination from the DFB-Pokal in the second round, have added pressure on the team.
Amid these struggles, Bayern are set to say goodbye to their current boss Thomas Tuchel at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. While the club are yet to decide on who will the next head coach of the team, the talks regarding potential squad changes and strategic shifts in the upcoming summer transfer window remain unclear.
In the 2023/24 season, Bayern made a huge squad overhaul, investing €184 million in transfers. Notable signings included Harry Kane for €95 million to bolster the attack, while Min-jae Kim joined the team from Napoli to add depth to defence. The club also invested in loan deals and youth promotions, with Bryan Zaragoza and Eric Dier joining to the squad.
The club have also finalized deals for Sacha Boey from Galatasaray, Nestory Irankunda from Adelaide United, and Jonah Kusi-Asare from AIK Solna during the winter transfer window.
Now, as attention turns to the 2024/25 season, Bayern's squad face potential changes under new management. The ongoing Bundesliga title race and Champions League campaign make the situation even more unpredictable, though one thing is clear - the upcoming summer window will likely bring some freshness to the team based on the new manager's preferences.
Below, VbetNews takes a look at how Bayern Munich should line up for the majority of their Bundesliga and European Cup matches in 2024-25:
How Bayern Munich should line up for 2024/25
GK: Manuel Neuer
Image Source: Getty Images
Despite Bayern Munich's challenging season in both domestic and European competitions during the 2023/24 season, Manuel Neuer continues to play a crucial role for the team.
In 20 games, the Germany international has conceded 23 goals but managed to secure 8 clean sheets. The keeper remains one of the elite players in Bayern's squad and is expected to maintain his position in the next season's starting lineup.
RB: Noussair Mazraoui
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Noussair Mazraoui's journey at Bayern initially faced challenges, with the player encountering injury setbacks and spending time on the bench after his transfer in the summer of 2022.
However, the ongoing 2023/24 season appears to be more promising for Mazraoui. Despite his previous struggles, he has featured in 21 games and contributed four assists for the team. With his continued progress and adaptation, there is optimism that Mazraoui's integration into the team will further improve in the upcoming 2024/25 campaign.
CB: Dayot Upamecano
Image Source: Bayern FC
Dayot Upamecano, who joined Bayern Munich in July 2021, is an integral part of the team's squad, particularly in the defensive line.
Upamecano's defensive prowess and reliability make him a key player for the club, contributing significantly to their success on the field both in domestic and European competitions.
CB: Min-jae Kim
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Kim Min-jae joined Bayern Munich during the summer transfer window of 2023, adding his considerable talent to the team's defensive lineup. Renowned for his impressive performances at Napoli, he is widely regarded as one of the brightest defensive talents in the world.
At Bayern, Kim has steadily established himself within the team's important squad, showcasing his skills and contributing to the team's success. His presence is expected to be a key component of the Bundesliga side's plans for the upcoming season, further solidifying his importance within the team.
LB: Raphaël Guerreiro
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Bayern Munich secured Raphaël Guerreiro's free transfer to bolster their defensive lineup, indicating their confidence in Boey's abilities to contribute to the team's success.
The 30-year-old man has featured in 18 games for Bayern in all competitions so far during the 2023/24 campaign, scoring two goals for his side. Due his important skills, he is expected to feature prominently in the starting XI at the beginning of the 2024/25 season.
CM: Joshua Kimmich
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Since joining Bayern Munich, Joshua Kimmich has experienced both the highs and lows of the club, playing a pivotal role in their successes and disappointments. This season, the midfielder has contributed with one goal and six assists in 28 appearances across all competitions.
While his performances have attracted interest from other top clubs, there's speculation that he might remain with Bayern for the 2024/25 season.
CM: Leon Goretzka
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Leon Goretzka's remarkable physical improvement at Bayern Munich has been both impressive and motivating. Through immense hard work and dedication, he earned his place in the first-team squad.
Goretzka's commitment has been evident as he continues to secure his spot in the starting XI on various occasions. In the current season, he has featured in 27 games, showcasing his versatility and contributing with 2 goals and 5 assists.
CM: Jamal Musiala
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Bayern's academy product Jamal Musiala has become a crucial member of the squad over the years, attracting attention from numerous top European clubs. While securing the player's signature won't be an easy task for any team, the youngster may opt to remain at the Bundesliga side for further development.
In the ongoing 2023/24 season, Musiala has featured in 27 games, demonstrating his impact with 8 goals and four assists. His continued growth and contributions underline his importance to Bayern Munich and his potential as a future star.
RW: Serge Gnabry
Image Source: Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images
While being at his senior form, Serge Gnabry is unstoppable at Bayern Munich. Unfortunately for the team, he faced a setback during the start of the 2023/24 campaign due to injury, which kept him out of action for a significant period.
Since his return, the attacker has struggled to replicate his previous performance, managing just one goal in 11 games. This result may prompt the club hierarchy to consider his transfer. However, there is hope that Gnabry could regain his best form in the upcoming 2024/25 season, potentially securing him a place in the starting XI and reaffirming his importance to Bayern.
LW: Leroy Sane
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The 2023/24 season has seen Leroy Sane thrive under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel, showing promise for the Bundesliga side.
Despite the team's challenges, Sane has continued to be a prominent figure since his transfer to Germany in the summer of 2020. In the current campaign, he has impressed with 9 goals and 12 assists in 33 games.
CF: Harry Kane
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The reason Harry Kane's stats may appear underestimated could be attributed to Bayern Munich's recent struggles in both domestic and European competitions. However, individually, Kane has been performing phenomenally at his new club.
In his debut season with the Bundesliga giants, Kane has already recorded 31 goals and eight assists in just 31 games. The significance of having one of the world's best attackers in the team cannot be overstated, and it's a pity to see him potentially miss out on another opportunity to win trophies at his new side after years of challenges at Tottenham.
Nevertheless, there remains optimism that with a new manager, Bayern could reclaim their supremacy and provide Kane with the coveted trophies in Europe that he deserves.
Bench: Peretz, De Ligt, Buchmann, Pavlovic, Laimer, Coman, Muller
Bayern Munich lineup, starting XI for the 2024/25 season
Bayern Munich 2024/25 squad
Goalkeepers
- 1 Manuel Neuer
- 18 Daniel Peretz
- 26 Sven Ulreich
- 43 Tom Hülsmann
Defenders
- 4 Matthijs de Ligt
- 2 Dayot Upamecano
- 3 Min-jae Kim
- 15 Eric Dier
- 28 Tarek Buchmann
- 19 Alphonso Davies
- 22 Raphaël Guerreiro
- 40 Noussair Mazraoui
- 23 Sacha Boey
- 20 Bouna Sarr
Midfielders
- 6 Joshua Kimmich
- 45 Aleksandar Pavlovic
- 8 Leon Goretzka
- 27 Konrad Laimer
- 42 Jamal Musiala
Attackers
- 11 Kingsley Coman
- 39 Mathys Tel
- 17 Bryan Zaragoza
- 10 Leroy Sané
- 7 Serge Gnabry
- 25 Thomas Müller
- 9 Harry Kane
- 13 Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
Bayern Munich2024/25 transfers
Bayern Munich 2024/25 transfers IN
Bayern Munich are yet to make new transfers for the upcoming 2024/25 season.
- Theo Hernandez (from AC Milan) - 40%
- Serhou Guirassy (from VfB Stuttgart) - 40%
- Matias Soule (from Frosinone) - 30%
- Adrien Rabiot (from Juventus) - 25%
- Federico Redondo (from Argentinos Juniors) - 25%
Bayern Munich 2024/25 transfers OUT
- Eric Dier (Contract expiry): Jun 30, 2024(Option to extend - 1 year) - 80%
- Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (Contract Expiry): Jun 30, 2024 - 90%
- Bouna Sarr (Contract Expiry): Jun 30, 2024 - 90%
- Alphonso Davies (Transfer Links) - 70%
Which players are likely to leave Bayern Munich?
As things stand, three Bayern Munich players could officially be expected to leave the Bundesliga side at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.
Despite having a one-year extension option in his contract, Eric Dier could end his loan spell at Bayern this summer, when Thomas Tuchel officialy departs the club.
Players Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Bouna Sarr are also on the exit list, while the defender Alphonso Davies could be on his way out amid the huge transfer interest from Real Madrid.