Bayern to beat Real Madrid to FREE World Cup winner
Robin Bairner
- 30 Sept 2023 22:31 BST
- 3 min read
Bayern Munich are closing in on a deal to secure the signature of 2014 World Cup winner Jerome Boateng as a free agent.
Boateng has been unattached since his contract expired with Lyon in the summer, with the veteran centre-back released after two miserable seasons in Ligue 1.
The 35-year-old, though, could be presented with one big final chance in the big time, with Bayern set to make a move for him in a desperate attempt to increase the depth of squad available to Thomas Tuchel.
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The lack of Bayern’s options came into focus on Saturday as they came from behind to draw 2-2 with RB Leipzig in a match in which Tuchel had no recognised senior cover in the middle of defence.
Indeed, he had to play Leon Goretzka and Noussair Mazraoui as his central defenders in a midweek encounter against Preussen Munster, which was the catalyst for the move.
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Boateng in 'advanced talks'
According to Sky Germany, Bayern are making positive progress in talks with Boateng.
There are said to have been advanced discussions that have taken place, which have been driven by the hierarchy wanting him back at the club after a previous spell between 2011-2021.
Boateng is also reportedly “fit and ready” for action, despite playing just eight times for a total of 430 minutes for Lyon last season.
Further talks are expected on Sunday, with no medical having yet taken place.
Earlier this week, there were reports that Real Madrid were considering a move for Boateng, whose experience remains coveted by top clubs.
These were quickly pushed aside, despite Los Blancos also struggling for cover in the middle of their defence after injury and form problems.
If Boateng does sign for Bayern, he will only be eligible to play in domestic competition and will not participate in the Champions League until the knockout stages, should FCB elect to register him at that point.
