Transfer window: Bayern ‘leading race to sign young defenders’

The football season may have been brought to a halt, but the rumours continue to circulate.

It’s not been decided if the summer transfer window will go ahead as normal, or whether it will be changed to fit the schedule of the current campaign.

Most action has been suspended across Europe due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. It’s a worrying time for many, including those in the football world.

There may yet be a positive end to the current season. Talks are ongoing between those at the top of the game to find a successful outcome.

Some plans may involve playing games behind closed doors, while others include declaring the season null and void.

Many clubs have taken the decision to furlough staff due to the crisis. But while the issue continues, they have continued their training and preparations for the return of football.

And that means several players and managers will undoubtedly have one eye on the future. Countless players will be looking for a move in the build up to major tournaments like the Euros next summer and the 2022 World Cup.

The likes of Harry Kane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have now become the latest high-profile players linked with a move away this summer. They join Timo Werner in a long list of talented strikers that may make a switch sooner rather than later.

Midfielders James Rodriguez, Philippe Coutinho and Jack Grealish are other stars who could move on.

But what about the defenders that many clubs may be eyeing?

It’s perhaps an under-valued position, but big-money moves for Virgil van Dijk and Harry Maguire have somewhat changed that issue in recent years.

So, who is the next defender to make a move for big-money?

Juventus youngster Matthijs de Ligt has already switched clubs recently. The central defender switched from Ajax to the Serie A side last year, but is already being linked with another move.

De Ligt is currently 5/1 to join Manchester United this summer.

The 20-year-old is 8/1 to sign for Barcelona, and 12/1 to be a Bayern Munich player this time next year.

And he has been given odds of 14/1 and 22/1 to join Chelsea and PSG respectively.

Another young and exciting defender that could make a summer switch to one of Europe’s top sides is RB Leipzig man Dayot Upamecano.

The 21-year-old has impressed in the Bundesliga and the Champions League this season. And unsurprisingly, it is Leipzig’s German rivals Bayern Munich who are favourites to swoop for the youngster.

Upamecano is 6/4 to join Bayern, 10/3 for Arsenal and 5/1 for Man Utd. Manchester City are available at 6/1 to sign the French defender, with Liverpool available at 10/1.

It’s currently 12/1 for Real Madrid to add Upamecano to their ranks, while Chelsea have been given odds of 14/1.