How Nico Schlotterbeck could stop Bayern signing Dortmund target

Bayern are going to need a new centre-back this summer.

Eric Dier has already agreed a move to AS Monaco when his contract expires. That’s despite Bayern offering the Englishman a year-long contract extension.

Even overlooking that fact, the Bundesliga leaders have struggled with defensive issues in 2024/25.

Bayern could sign Kō Itakura

With the ex-Tottenham star in line to depart Bayern, the club have already taken steps to plug the potential gap. To that end, Bayern have made contact with Gladbach’s Kō Itakura.

The centre-back moved from Manchester City to Mönchengladbach for €5m [£4.2m] back in the summer of 2022.

Now, the Japanese player, whose market value sits at more than double that figure (€12m [£10.1m]), wants to take the next step in his career.

However, Bayern Munich may not be alone in their pursuit of Itakura. Borussia Dortmund also highly rate the 28-year-old defender.

The Yokohama-born footballer could be an option to fill in for reported Liverpool target Nico Schlotterbeck. The BVB player is set to be sidelined for six months with a torn meniscus.

* Stats courtesy of Sofascore

A defensive signing or two is critical

There can be no excuses for a potential lack of defensive reinforcements ahead of the summer transfer window.

Both Dayot Upamecano and Hiroki Itō have collectively missed 25 games this term.

Meanwhile, there are ongoing question marks over Kim Min-jae’s long-term future in Munich.

Indeed, FC Bayern are prepared to consider offers for the South Korean centre-back if they receive an offer between €40m-50m [£33.9m-42.4m]. Of course, this would only exacerbate the need for additions to the backline this summer.

Furthermore, the club is more than aware of the fact that it’s lacking a capable defensive leader. Neither Upamecano nor Min-jae, though no doubt incredibly talented, tick that particular box at the present time.

Neither would Kō Itakura, in fairness. But Bayern still need extra bodies to rely on in the back four.

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