Bayern Munich is preparing for a major summer transfer clear out as they aim to support Thomas Tuchel’s vision for the club. The team has identified seven players who are deemed surplus to requirements, with former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane at the top of the list. Tuchel, who replaced Julian Nagelsmann as Bayern boss in March, is expected to be ruthless in his approach ahead of the upcoming season. The club secured the league title on the final day of the season, but CEO Oliver Kahn and sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić were both sacked. The new regime is reportedly giving Tuchel free reign to make changes and bring in players he wants.
According to German outlet Bild, Sadio Mane is a top priority to be sold, despite only joining last summer. The winger has not lived up to expectations since replacing Robert Lewandowski, scoring just seven times and returning five assists in 25 Bundesliga games. His frustration boiled over following Bayern’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final in April. The winger was suspended by the club after he punched team-mate Leroy Sane and, despite having his suspension overturned, was not able to nail down a place in the XI. The club has lost patience with the Senegalese star and deems him surplus to requirements.
Sane could also follow Mane out of the exit door, with Thomas Tuchel willing to listen to offers for him and fellow German international Serge Gnabry. Gnabry fueled rumors of a return to Arsenal when he said “once a Gunner always a Gunner” when asked if he still follows his former club at the Spanish Grand Prix. The club is also keen to cash in on World Cup-winning right-back Benjamin Pavard amid reported interest from Barcelona, Manchester United, and Liverpool. Bayern is understood to be holding out for a £25million fee for the French international.
Rounding out the seven-strong list are former Manchester United loanee Marcel Sabitzer, right-back Bouna Sarr, and goalkeeper Alexander Nubel. Bayern hopes the cash raised from the sales will help fund a move for top summer target Declan Rice, who is also attracting interest from Arsenal and Manchester United. West Ham is reportedly holding out for a £100m fee.