Bayern Munich Considering Surprise Move for Sokratis Papastathopoulos
Bayern Munich, the Bundesliga giants, are reportedly considering a surprise move for former Arsenal defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos. The club is currently facing an injury crisis at the back, with several key players sidelined. This has led Bayern to explore potential free agent signings, including Sokratis.
The injury woes for Bayern Munich started when Dayot Upamecano was forced to withdraw from the current international break due to a hamstring problem. Additionally, Matthijs de Ligt has been struggling with a knee issue, and teenager Tarek Buchmann is sidelined with a torn muscle. This leaves Thomas Tuchel with only one fit and available senior centre-back, Kim Min-jae.
To address their defensive issues, Bayern Munich initially considered bringing back former player Jerome Boateng. However, the club ultimately decided against this move. Now, reports from Sky Germany suggest that Sokratis is a genuine option being explored by Bayern.
Sokratis has been a free agent since leaving Olympiacos in the summer. Bayern’s options are limited to signing players without a club since the transfer window is closed. The retired Greek international would be eager to join the German champions and rejected an approach from Real Betis last week as he waits to see if Bayern solidifies their interest.
The potential signing of Sokratis would provide cover for Bayern Munich until January when the transfer window reopens. It is likely that the club will look to make a more permanent addition to their defense at that time. In the summer, Bayern made a late move for Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah, another player Tuchel knows well from their time together at Stamford Bridge. This deal could be revived, as Chelsea is keen to cash in on a player considered surplus to requirements.
Sokratis had a difficult two-and-a-half years at Arsenal before his contract was terminated in January 2021. However, he enjoyed a revival of sorts with Olympiacos, making 94 appearances for the club. Tuchel is thought to be a big fan of Sokratis, having worked with him during their time together at Borussia Dortmund.
Bayern Munich is currently waiting to get a clearer picture of their injury situation, with Upamecano potentially sidelined for up to six weeks. De Ligt, on the other hand, has started training again. The addition of Sokratis would provide much-needed depth and experience to Bayern’s defense during this challenging period.
It remains to be seen whether Bayern Munich will finalize their interest in Sokratis. However, the Greek defender’s availability as a free agent makes him an attractive option for the Bundesliga giants. Fans will have to wait and see if Sokratis will make a return to German football and join Bayern Munich in their quest for success.
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