One down and, it would appear, one to go.
Players have come and gone before, of course, and the loss of any stars can be quickly forgotten whenever the next one comes along.
Except the two Bundesliga players in question are rather special.
One has been the leading striker in European football over the last decade, while the other is a phenomenal young talent who, along with France’s rising star, Kylian Mbappe, is the heir to the throne held for so long in the Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi galaxy!
So, what is the latest situation? And who can possibly fill the Bundesliga highlights void left by the departing Erling Braut Haaland and, probably, Robert Lewandowski.
Whatever happens, Bayern Munich will still start next season as firm favourites with the SBOTOP Bundesliga betting odds.
But it seems the prolific Pole has made his views known and he no longer wants to be a part of the Bavarian journey.
Indeed, he has told the club he is looking for a new challenge and there is little in the way of financial motive in his decision not to extend his stay – Barcelona reportedly his favoured destination.
As you would expect, Bayern is an ever-evolving door and earlier this week the club announced the capture of Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch from Ajax on a five-year deal.
Bayern have paid €18.5 million (£16m), which could rise to €24m (£20m), to sign one of Europe’s most coveted young players.
The 20 year-old has helped the Dutch champions to win three league titles and has 10 caps for his country.
Back to the man spearheading their attack though and Bayern will not want to let their prized asset leave until they have found a replacement which is where speculation comes in.
While Sadio Mane appears to be a realistic swoop from Liverpool, he would not be a like-for-like replacement.
And if ever a club’s history cried out for a number nine, it is Bayern.
The late, great Gerd Müller, Karl Heinz Rummenigge, Giovane Élber, Luca Toni, Jurgen Klinsmann, Roy Makaay, Miroslav Klose, and Lewandowski are just some of the distinguished names that come to mind when you think of their great strikers.
Perhaps a replacement is closer to home than first thought and, if that is the case, then look no further than RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku.
The France striker has also recently been awarded the title of “Bundesliga Player of the Year” having won the monthly award four times. Nkunku’s tally is bettered only by three others – Haaland and Lewandowski being two of them.
Another option may be Jonathan Burkardt who has impressed for Mainz in the Bundesliga and contributed 14 goals and four assists in his breakthrough season with the club.
At the age of 21, he is certainly one to watch.
More of a risk, but still a Bundesliga-proven option, is Sasa Kalajdzic.
A German speaker, super tall and emphatic in the air, he could potentially lead the line with Bayern as well as he has with Stuttgart.
The Austrian contributed directly to 23 Bundesliga goals in 20/21, a figure that was reduced to just eight last term as a result of a long-term injury.
Also linked with a move is Gianluca Scamacca who plies his trade for Sassuolo in Serie A.
The 23 year-old Italian forward netted 16 goals in 36 league appearances, putting together a mature and consistent campaign under Alessio Dionisi. Indeed, his strong work saw him inherit Ciro Immobile’s spot in the Azzurri squad in this international break and he’ll be hoping to permanently oust the Lazio star in the starting line-up in the coming months.
Could he be Bayern’s secret weapon?
While the focus is firmly on the Lewandowski saga, we must also remember some new faces have already been confirmed.
Borussia Dortmund’s transfer activity has included the signing of promising young German striker Karim Adeyemi – a triple Austrian league and cup double winner with Red Bull Salzburg and, at 20, a full Germany international with a goal and three senior international appearances to his name
Gravenberch will have a friendly face on his arrival in Munich with the record Bundesliga champions’ capture of Morocco international Noussair Mazraoui from Ajax already confirmed.
Bayer Leverkusen, last season’s third-highest goalscorers, have added young Czech jewel Adam Hlozek to their potent forward line, while Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt have raided Nantes to bolster their squad with the highly versatile French forward Kolo Muani.
With the Bundesliga fixture list out on Friday – something which always sets the pulse racing for a return to action – watch this space for all the latest Bundesliga news.
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