Bayern blasted for Dier and Trippier transfers

Tom Weber

• Updated: 22 Jan 2024 18:20 GMT
• 3 min read

Lothar Matthäus believes that Bayern's recent transfers are leading to a loss of identity.

The Bavarians have pursued some unusual deals in recent times, first reuniting record-signing Harry Kane with former Tottenham teammate Eric Dier and now attempting to sign 33-year-old Kieran Trippier from Newcastle.

It is strange for Bayern to sign players on the wrong side of 30, especially players such as Dier and Trippier who surely have sizeable wage demands. While Dier has already arrived on loan from Spurs, talks regarding a move for Trippier remain ongoing with reports indicating that Bayern may have to shell out as much as €14 million as the Magpies are reluctant to settle for a loan.

These transfers are perhaps motivated by desperation. The Bavarians have not always looked convincing this season and now find themselves seven points adrift of Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen after a shock 1-0 loss to Werder Bremen on Sunday.

Having been snubbed by priority target Ronald Araujo of Barcelona and with PSG playing hardball over Nordi Mukiele, Bayern had to settle for Dier as a centre-back reinforcement and may have to bring in Trippier for the right-back position.

'This is not Bayern'

According to Germany legend Lothar Matthäus, Bayern have lost their way when it comes to their recent transfer business. Speaking on Sky90 on Sunday evening, Matthäus questioned whether signing Dier and Trippier actually improves the Bavarians' squad.

"Of course, they have to add strength in depth, but I doubt that they will really strengthen their squad because Dier has not necessarily been a player who has set the world alight at Tottenham over the last six months."

"I remember, Uli Hoeneß once famously said after [the flop signing of] Jean-Pierre Papin: 'We will no longer sign players who sit on the bench or in the stands at their clubs.' The latest transfer tells a different story."

Regarding Trippier, the 62-year-old said: "To me, this is not Bayern Munich. Bayern Munich should strengthen themselves or should put their trust in young players...Bayern Munich have good youth players."