Bayern stance on Viktor Gyokeres clear as €140m double Leverkusen raid planned

Bayern Munich’s interest in Florian Wirtz will inevitably complicate separate pursuits.

The newly-crowned Bundesliga champions (following Bayer Leverkusen’s 2-2 draw with SC Freiburg) don’t intend to stop at the German national.

Max Eberl and Christoph Freund’s summer plans will still see the club look to tackle multiple areas in the squad. Not least of all, the signing of a new centre-back and defensive leader.

There’s an additional need, too, for offensive reinforcements – particularly should Leroy Sane call time on his Bayern career.

Bayern won’t sign Viktor Gyokeres

Viktor Gyökeres is firmly in the sights of Europe’s elite owing to another remarkable goalscoring campaign in Portugal.

The Sweden international struck the back of the net on 52 occasions this term (in addition to supplying 12 assists).

Inevitably, this has led to links between Gyokeres and Premier League clubs like Manchester United.

Unfortunately, for Bayern, the associated costs and the presence of star striker Harry Kane may preclude a deal for the Bavarian giants.

“It’s looking like it will cost a lot of money to sign Gyökeres, and that’s thanks in no small part to the interest of Premier League clubs,” Christian Falk exclusively told CF Bayern Insider.

“Also, Bayern can’t give him the keys to the centre-forward position because of Harry Kane. So, he’s not a main target.”

Patrik Schick could be an affordable alternative transfer

The good news for FC Bayern is that we don’t necessarily need to choose between Wirtz and a top striker.

In fact, Bayer Leverkusen teammate Patrik Schick may prove to be a viable alternative to the costly Viktor Gyökeres (reportedly available for €60m-€70m [£50.8m-59.3m]).

Falk reported: “FC Bayern have an eye on him [Gyökeres], as they have historically, but they’re now checking alternative opportunities like Patrik Schick.

“The Bayer Leverkusen striker would be a much cheaper option at €20m-25m [£16.9m-21.1m].

“He’s a different kind of striker. If Bayern are looking at other options, then it’s clear they’re keen on cheaper solutions. That’s also because they don’t think Tottenham will pay the full amount for Mathys Tel.”

As such, a double raid for the centre-forward and Florian Wirtz could see Bayern fork out around €140m [£118.6m].

Would Schick be a good signing for Bayern?

Whilst there’s talk of Serge Gnabry being kept in Munich as a rotational option for Harry Kane, it couldn’t hurt to have fresh striking options.

With 25 goals in 2,384 minutes (43 games in all competitions), Schick has the second-highest minutes per goal contribution rate compared to Bayern forwards.

If we’re looking for a reliable back-up option to our England international, Patrik Schick would be a distinct improvement on Gnabry.

Minutes will be a sticking point

An upgrade to the current Bundesliga champions, of course, may not be enough for the Czech footballer.

Were it not for Victor Boniface’s injuries in 2024/25, there’s a reasonable argument to be made that the 29-year-old would be on considerably fewer minutes.

Much as is the case for Viktor Gyökeres, it’s difficult to see how this situation improves at the Allianz Arena.

Harry Kane, with the greatest respect to Boniface, will be considerably more difficult to overtake.

Food for thought for Schick!

The Bayern Insider: Jonathan Tah opportunity ahead of crunch Eberl transfer meeting