Bayern add fresh name to summer shortlist after Wirtz snub

A new name has emerged on Bayern Munich’s shortlist after the German giants missed out on Florian Wirtz.

Bayern Munich wanted Florian Wirtz to become their new attacking star, but with the Bayer Leverkusen star opting for Liverpool instead, the Bavarian giants have been forced to shift their focus to other targets.

Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton & Hove Albion) and Cody Gakpo (Liverpool) have previously been linked, and now a new name has emerged on Bayern’s radar.

According to Sport Bild, Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad) has been discussed at the club’s headquarters and is considered a serious option.

The 24-year-old Japanese international, who previously spent time at both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, scored seven goals and provided four assists in 52 appearances for Sociedad across all competitions last season.

However, whether Bayern will actually step up their interest in Kubo, Mitoma, Gakpo, or another attacking star may depend on the future of Leroy Sané. 

The 29-year-old is out of contract this summer, but an extension remains a possibility.

According to Sport Bild, there is unlikely to be a “superstar summer at Bayern” if Sané signs a contract extension.