Mario Basler slams Bayern's transfer policy

Speaking on his podcast Balser Ballert, the 56-year-old did not hold back: “For me, Bayern are doing exactly what Real Madrid did in recent years – buying every big name for the attack and neglecting the defence. That’s exactly the path I see Bayern on right now. They are investing heavily up front, but defensively they would rather get rid of players than strengthen.”

So far this summer, Bayern have only bolstered their backline with the arrival of Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen, something Basler believes is not enough.

“Champions League dream is unrealistic”

Basler pointed to the inconsistency and occasional errors of centre-backs Minjae Kim and Dayot Upamecano as ongoing concerns. He also noted the prolonged absence of left-back Alphonso Davies, who is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury, and Hiroki Ito, who remains sidelined with a metatarsal fracture.

“Davies – sure, he’ll come back at some point, but nobody knows exactly when,” Basler said. He added that Bayern’s defensive fragility makes a Champions League title highly unlikely this season: “There’s no point even talking about it.”

Despite his criticism, Basler praised the club’s decision to sign Luis Diaz, calling the Colombian international “a good addition for the attack”, particularly because of his versatility across the front line. After losing Leroy Sané, Bayern had been linked with several wingers – including PSG’s Bradley Barcola and Spain star Nico Williams – but were turned down before securing Diaz’s signature.

Basler himself appeared 78 times for der Rekordmeister between 1996 and 1999.