Bayern boss no longer rules out January signings
Before the World Cup, Hasan Salihamidzic said that Bayern Munich would not sign any players in January. But the situation has changed.
Bayern Munich board member for sport Hasan Salihamidzic no longer categorically rules out transfer activity in January.
The Bayern chief previously said that Bayern were not planning to sign any new players during the winter transfer window, but the situation has changed, particularly as a result of Manuel Neuer's season-ending injury.
"As you know, I'm not a fan of the winter transfer window," Salihamidzic told Sport Bild (via @iMiaSanMia).
"But a lot happened during the World Cup break, so I'm not ruling anything out.
"We're trying to do the best for our team. We will consider all options - especially in the goalkeeping position, but not only there. We will not rush anything."
As for the search for a replacement for Manuel Neuer, Bayern are exploring the possibility of recalling Alexander Nübel from his loan spell at Monaco, with Gladbach's Yann Sommer said to be seen as an alternative.
"It's important to find the best solution for our team in the short term. As far as the summer is concerned, we'll manage that. We want to compete for all titles this season. We're exploring different scenarios," noted Salihamidzic.
"But of course Alexander Nübel would be an obvious solution. In the end, AS Monaco has the last say."
Like Neuer, Lucas Hernandez has been ruled out for the rest of the season, but Bayern are not planning to sign a centre-back to cover for the Frenchman's absence.
"We're well-equipped in defense with Matthijs de Ligt, Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Hernández, three top players. We also have Josip Stanišić, who has to make appearances. Therefore, no signing of another centre-back is planned," noted Salihamidzic.
Asked if Noussair Mazraoui could fill in at left-back, where Hernandez is also capable of playing, Salihamidzic responded:
"What happened to Lucas is tragic. I'm very sorry for him. Nous did a very good job at left-back during the World Cup. That gives Julian Nagelsmann another option. But his main position is right-back."