There are still three weeks left to buy and sell in the Bundesliga, which is why the transfer window can still bring positive and negative surprises for the clubs. We want to draw an initial interim conclusion and highlight the winners so far.
Main access points: Martin Terrier (10 million euros / Stade Rennes), Aleix Garcia (18 million euros / FC Girona), Jeanuël Belocian (12 million euros / Stade Rennes)
Most important departures: Josip Stanisic (FC Bayern / after loan)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s transfer window has not been spectacular so far, but it could hardly have gone better. As things stand, it really does look as if the Werkself will only lose loan player Josip Stanisic and no other relevant players. Even Jonathan Tah is now clearly set to stay. All of this is nothing short of a miracle.
It remains to be seen whether Terrier, Garcia and Belocian can play their way into the starting eleven, but Terrier and Garcia in particular have already proven that they are strong footballers who can definitely add depth. As a French U-21 international, Belocian has a lot of potential and is definitely in an interesting deal in the long term.
The Werkself are at least as strong and have a slightly broader squad than last year. That was something that could never have been expected. And Alonso is still on board. That is something that FC Bayern can once again be afraid of.
Main access points: Kristijan Jakic (6 million euros / Eintracht Frankfurt), Samuel Essende (4 million euros / Vizela), Keven Schlotterbeck (2.5 million euros / VfL Bochum), Nediljko Labrovic (2.5 million euros / Rijeka), Steve Mounié (free transfer / Stade Brest), Marius Wolf (free transfer / BVB), Dimitrios Giannoulis (free transfer / Norwich)
Most important departures: Ermedin Demirovic (21 million euros / VfB Stuttgart), Iago (free transfer / EC Bahia)
Admittedly, Demirovic’s departure is a real pain – even for 21 million euros. With Iago, a second reliable man has left the club.
However, the FCA officials have made extremely cheap and effective purchases. Jakic was signed permanently and with Schlotterbeck and Wolf, other experienced Bundesliga players are now on board for little money. The deal for goalkeeper Labrovic is also interesting; he has already stood between the posts for Croatia and could be an upgrade to Dahmen. Essende attracted attention last season with 15 goals in the Portuguese league and Mounié also has experience and goalscoring qualities. It will be interesting to see what the final outcome will be. As of now, the FCA also has a transfer surplus. So something could still happen.
Main access points: Kamil Grabara (13.5 million euros / FC Copenhagen), Mohamed Amoura (3 million euros loan fee / Union SG), Bence Dardai (free transfer / Hertha BSC)
Most important departures: Koen Casteels (free transfer / Al-Qadsiah)
Losing goalkeeper Casteels for free is obviously not ideal. On the other hand, the Belgian’s best days seem to be over. In Grabara, VfL has certainly found a very good replacement with plenty of Champions League experience.
Any deal involving Mohamed Amoura is also a very promising one. The lightning-fast striker was injured straight away, but his style of play could really liven up the tired VfL offense and be the perfect partner for Wind. The Algerian is also very effective, which he proved last season with 23 goals in competitive matches and eight assists. Bence Dardai is also a promising talent from Hertha.
Main access points: Michael Olise (53 million euros / Crystal Palace), Joao Palhinha (51 million euros), Hiroki Ito (23.5 million euros)
Most important departures: /
Of course, it is debatable whether FC Bayern can really be seen as the winner of the transfer phase so far. In particular, one or two sales would be desirable, but something could still happen in this regard.
As things stand, however, it can be said that the Munich team has strengthened its team in a targeted manner. Michael Olise in particular has the potential to really take off. The Frenchman has already shone in the Premier League with outstanding scoring figures and is also playing incredibly well at the Olympic Games. His passes, crosses and set pieces are particularly strong. With Palhinha, Bayern have finally found a solution for the holding six, even if we still have to wait and see whether the age and transfer fee are in the right proportion. With Ito, we will have to wait and see whether he is enough for FC Bayern, but the risk of a loss-making deal is pretty low.
If Doué comes now, FC Bayern can be very satisfied. Especially if one or two of the farewell candidates leave.
Main access points: Tim Kleindienst (7 million euros / Heidenheim), Philipp Sander (1 million euros / Holstein Kiel), Kevin Stöger (free transfer / Bochum)
Most important departures: Maximilian Wöber (loan return / Leeds United), Patrick Herrmann, Tony Jantschke (both retired)
Apart from returning loan player Wöber, the Foals have not lost any of their regular players. However, the club has finally managed to acquire an experienced striker in Kleindienst. The even bigger coup, however, is likely to be the free agent Stöger. The Austrian has had a strong season and almost single-handedly helped Bochum avoid relegation. Sander has only been able to shine in the 2nd Bundesliga so far. But with a transfer fee of one million euros, you can’t go wrong here either. A defender should still come, however.
