Bayern Munich were brutally knocked out from Champions League by Atletico Madrid last night. Goals from Xabi Alonso and Robert Lewandowski were enough for the Bavarians to win the game but they were undone by the away goal rule.
This was Bayern’s third consecutive semifinal exit from Champions League and it ended Pep Guardiola’s European reign at Allianz Arena. With Carlo Ancelotti set to take over in the summer, it would be interesting to see if there is a squad overhaul at Bayern Munich next season.
Mario Gotze is clearly unhappy after being left to rot on the bench for the entire 2015/16 season. Meanwhile Mehdi Benatia has expressed his desires to quit Allianz Arena amid the Mats Hummels’ rumoured summer transfer.
While Gotze looks certain to join hands with Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, Benatia has been strongly linked with a summer move to Arsenal. Gunners need a stronger replacement for Per Mertesacker with Benatia emerging as a possible candidate.
Elsewhere Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski have been the long-term targets for Manchester United, who are expected to go back with stronger offers for the Bayern stars.
Premier League will be an even bigger financial attraction next season with the new £5billion TV rights money taking effect in the summer.
Clubs will not hesitate in splashing extra £10-15million in transfer budgets if it means for them to sign their key targets. Manchester United in particular will be hungrier than ever to win back their lost identity in European football and they will look to target Bayern Munich amid their recent phase of transitions.
The Bavarians will do well to keep hold of their stars when Premier League clubs come calling. The upcoming summer transfer window promises to be an exciting one as several top players around Europe would look to swap their teams to enjoy a successful 2016/7 season.
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