10 players who could join Bayern Munich in January

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 23 May 2023 09:00 CDT
• 4 min read

Bayern Munich approach the January transfer window after a testing first half to the season.

Although they negotiated the Champions League smoothly, life in the Bundesliga was uncomfortable for a period before they hit their stride before the World Cup break.

Nevertheless, their four-point advantage over surprise challengers Freiburg is not decisive and they face a serious challenge to reclaim their title in the second half of the season.

Indeed, head coach Julian Nagelsmann has questions to answer over the course of the next six weeks – not least who, if anyone, will replace Robert Lewandowski in attack, with the Poland star’s sale in the summer having left a gaping hole.

MORE: Bayern break silence on Real Madrid target Musiala’s future

Marcus Thuram – Borussia Monchengladbach

A seasoned Bundesliga player, the 25-year-old is an attractive option for FCB because of his ability to play either in attack or on the flank. On international duty with the France World Cup squad, he has proven he has the quality to fit into such an environment and may leave Gladbach after a superb start to the season because his contract is winding down.

Konrad Laimer – RB Leipzig

Another player who could be sold in January because he departs as a free agent in the summer, 25-year-old Austria international Laimer has long been touted for bigger things. Another versatile player who could come in and strengthen FCB’s squad immediately.

Marco Asensio – Real Madrid

Not certain to leave Real Madrid at the end of his contract in the summer, but everything is certainly pointing in that direction at the moment. A clutch of clubs are chasing the Spain international, who has proven himself at the highest level of the game. The midfielder would be a valuable addition to any team that signed him.

Kai Havertz – Chelsea

Havertz has not exactly shone since signing for Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 for €80 million. The 23-year-old could return to Germany in a bid to rediscover his best form, and after playing as a centre-forward in the Premier League could fill that void at the Allianz Arena.

Randal Kolo Muani – Eintracht Frankfurt

France international Kolo Muani is another potential player who could fill the No.9 role for Bayern. After impressing in France with Nantes last season, he has been one of the free transfers of the summer, hitting the ground running impressively in Germany. Frankfurt, though, will make it difficult for FCB to sign him at this point in the season.

Gregor Kobel – Dortmund

Transfers between Bayern and Dortmund are certainly not unknown, and the next to take place could see Kobel depart BVB for Bavaria. Bayern are starting to look for a long-term successor to Manuel Neuer - a quest given more urgency given that the Germany international has broken his leg skiing and is set to miss the rest of the season.

Christian Pulisic – Chelsea

American players have often thrived in the Bundesliga, and a return to Germany could be just the tonic for Pulisic to kickstart his career again after a sometimes awkward spell at Chelsea. He has often appeared to be on the verge of departing the Stamford Bridge side and is the type of forward player that Bayern love.

Dominik Livakovic - Dinamo Zagreb

A breakout star of the 2022 World Cup, Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic could be set for a big move this winter, with the 28-year-old ready to leave Dinamo Zagreb and move to a major European side. Livakovic proved his worth as a penalty saving specialist in Qatar and would be a relatively cheap target to replace Neuer, with Dinamo demanding around €10m for his signature.

Yann Sommer - Borussia Monchengladbach

With Bayern's priority being a goalkeeper to replace the injured Neuer, another target is Yann Sommer from rivals Gladbach. The 34-year-old is believed to be a top target for Bayern but they are reportedly unwilling to improve their €5m bid for a player who is out of contract in the summer. With a number of other options also being considered, a standoff could occur between both clubs until an agreement is reached.

Roberto Firmino – Liverpool

Roberto Firmino established himself as a Bundesliga star with Hoffenheim prior to joining Liverpool and Bayern could provide the Brazilian a return to Germany, with his contract due to expire in the summer. While Liverpool may be reluctant to lose a forward in January, they could cash in on a player who is likely to leave for free in order to raise funds to strengthen their squad, allowing Bayern the chance of a potential cut-price deal.