Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has outlined the club’s plans to bring a new striker into the transfer window following a shocking 2-1 defeat to Freiburg on Tuesday.
Thomas Tuchel’s side took the lead in their quarter-final matchup thanks to Dayot Upamecano but were dropped by a Nicolas Höfler kick before a 95-minute penalty from Lukas Höhler sent the Bundesliga leaders out of the game.
Now Bayern will miss the final for the third consecutive season, and Salihamidzic has been adamant that a new striker will be needed for the club to move forward next season.
“Of course we will sit down and see what we need to do in the transfer market,” he said after the game.
“But the games show that going into the new season with only Erik Maxim Choupo-Moting, Mathis Tel, Thomas Muller and Sadio Mane would be careless.
“In all likelihood, there will be a new striker. Whether it will be Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen or Randal Kolo Muani, the coming weeks will tell.”
On an ongoing basis.
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— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) April 4, 2023
Bayern remain top of the Bundesliga and have reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League, but they have struggled to replace talisman Robert Lewandowski’s result since he left for Barcelona at the end of last season.
The Poland international has scored 110 goals in just 94 league games in his last three seasons with Bayern as the club won three consecutive Bundesliga titles and the Champions League.
Choupo-Moting has led this season in Lewandowski’s absence, but has only scored 10 league goals.
Despite a disappointing result against Freiburg, Salihamidzic remains positive about Tuchel’s appointment and refuses to place the blame for the loss on the new boss.
“It’s bittersweet for all of us, but it has nothing to do with the coach,” Salihamidzic said.
“It’s a process. He makes a very good impression and does a very good job. Today was bitter for all of us, but we will continue on Saturday.”