Bayern Munich Should Make A January Move For Samuel Umtiti

Bayern Munich have not had the season they were expecting before the 2019-20 Bundesliga campaign kicked off. They sit in fourth place of the standings with 18 points after 10 matches, have won just one of their last four league outings, and are coming off a disappointing 5-1 defeat at Frankfurt this weekend.

To put things into perspective – they have conceded multiple goals in four of their last five matches. They have allowed 1.6 goals per game, the worst mark among all teams sitting in the Top 10 places of the league standings. It’s clear Bayern need to do something to address their defence before it’s too late.

However, there’s one name out there that could boost Die Roten’s defensive unit as soon as next January. By all means, the reigning Bundesliga should make an approach for Samuel Umtiti. The 25-year-old centre-back has dealt with injuries all season long, but he is not expected to return to the starting lineup any time soon.

Right now, Umtiti is considered as the third centre-back by Ernesto Valverde, as Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet sit above him on the pecking order. But Umtiti is enough to start for Los Blaugranas. Plus, it’s no secret that he would be an instant upgrade over what Bayern currently have at Niko Kovac’s disposal.

Bayern’s biggest issue on defence? The lack of depth

The lack of depth is Bayern’s biggest issue at the moment. Let’s remember, the reigning Bundesliga champions sold Mats Hummels to Dortmund in the summer. They also lost Niklas Sule to an ACL injury a few weeks ago. During Saturday’s 5-1 loss at Frankfurt, Bayern started David Alaba – who is not a natural centre-back – and Jerome Boateng – who was sent off – in the middle of the defence. With Sule and Boateng unavailable for the next weekend, Lars Lukai Mai and Javi Martinez could be top choices at centre-back against Borussia Dortmund.

We can’t forget Bayern are also playing in the UEFA Champions League. They won’t get far without Sule and without adequate defensive depth. Thus, making a move for a centre-back is a must. Umtiti should be at the top of the team’s shortlist due to Barcelona’s willingness to gain fresh transfer funds. Out of their list of expendable players, Umtiti should be one with the most upside.

It remains to be seen if Bayern are going to make a move during the January transfer window. But if Saturday’s defeat at Frankfurt thought anything, is that Bayern can’t stand pat in the market. They must add at least one center-back. Umtiti checks all the boxes to be an excellent addition to the side.