As the summer transfer window begins to hot up, the future of several high profile players plying their trade in the Bundesliga is up in the air.
We take a look at ten players who could be making possible moves away from the Bundesliga, including Roberto Firmino, Christoph Kramer and Ilkay Gundogan.
Mats Hummels
An obvious transfer target for any big club outside of German, Mats Hummels recently played down talks of a move away from Borussia Dortmund despite the exits of both coach Jürgen Klopp and teammate Ilkay Gundogan confirmed. Despite the rough year for BVB, Hummels was arguably one of the best two center halves in the league this year and played over 2000 minutes in 23 appearances.
Hummels is strong, physical, and is an excellent leader – the last attribute being one of the biggest reasons so many clubs are attracted to him. Manchester United and Real Madrid have both shown interest recently but it will take quite the offer to pull the German away from a club he’s spent the last six years with.
Ilkay Gundogan
Illy Gundogan is one of the most interesting cases of the transfer market this summer. He had a sub-par year for Dortmund yet still remains a coveted signing and has been linked with a move to Bayern after deciding not to renew his contract. In 22 league appearances this year, Gundogan scored 3 goals and assisted on 4 more, yielding an average rating of 7.1 by WhoScored.
One of the biggest upsides to Gundogan is that he’s just 24 years old and has a long career ahead of himself if he can stay healthy. The only problem is that his history has shown he has an issue with staying fit and that could be one of the few reasons clubs don’t want to bring him on. Either way, his confirmed departure has fueled rumors of a move to England (Arsenal) and abroad and his name will be one to watch as the summer progresses.
Roberto Firmino
One of the brightest young talents in the Bundesliga, Roberto Firmino has attracted interest from many clubs abroad and it’s easy to see why. At just 23, Firmino had a top season in the Buli and his 10 goals and 5 assists in 33 appearances don’t do him justice. The Brazilian is quick on his feet, flashy, and surprisingly strong, making him one of the top attacking targets across the five major leagues.
It’s unclear whether Hoffenheim will hold out on Firmino, but Manchester United and Liverpool have both reportedly inquired about him and a high price tag could persuade the German club to cash out. It remains to be seen whether Firmino is really pushing for a move away, but interest from big clubs in England with European football can be difficult to turn down.
Kevin De Bruyne
Many will argue that if you’re looking for the best player in Germany that you will have to look at the best club – Bayern Munich – but few can argue against Kevin De Bruyne after the season he had for Wolfsburg. After leaving Chelsea and joining the Germans, De Bruyne not only scored 10 goals but assisted on 20 (!) as well, yielding the second best average match rating in the Bundesliga this season.
Another player who is quick on his feet, De Bruyne has the unique combination of an incredibly high footballing IQ and split-second decision-making. Manchester City have shown high interest in bringing the Belgian back to England, but Wolfsburg would be unwise to let a player of his quality go without an incredibly high price. Regardless, De Bruyne’s name will surely be making the rounds this summer as clubs look to improve their attack.
Marcell Jansen
Marcell Jansen, like Gundogan, has opted not to resign with his German club Hamburger SV and has decided to become a free agent, prompting clubs like Galatasaray and others in the same class to consider a move for the 29-year-old centerback.
Jansen is also incredible versatile, and though he is a defender by trait he has also spent time in midfield allowing for teams to play him where he is best suited. Though Jansen’s days as a starter may be coming to a close, he would be an experienced option to come off the bench or simply for squad depth.
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Bas Dost
Out of all the pure goalscorers in the Bundesliga, Bas Dost has to be in the top three after the season he had at Wolfsburg. Yes, he had the quality of players like Kevin De Bruyne, Ivan Perisic, and André Schurrle to serve him the ball on a silver platter, but make no mistake – Dost has a skill set most strikers dream of. He’s great with his head and decent with his feet making him one of the most dangerous men on the pitch inside 18 yards.
He’s just 26 years old and after scoring 16 goals and assisting on 4, the Dutchman is definitely coveted heading into the summer market. Like De Bruyne though, Wolfsburg would be remise to let Dost go without getting the most money out of him and it’s unclear whether many clubs are willing to test their resolve should they also lose De Bruyne. However, Dost remains a quality option for any club looking to add a goalscorer.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
In terms of playing style, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has one of the most locked down approaches in the German league. Head up, sprint after a ball and put it in the back of the net. Simple, yes, but incredibly effective. Also 26 years old, Aubameyang scored 16 goals and tallied 6 assists for BVB this year but his future is up in the air and clubs outside the Bundesliga are keen to see what he has to offer.
Clubs in England like Arsenal and Liverpool are looking for another man to lead the front line, and Aubameyang has stayed healthy and is an excellent option for speed and finishing wanted by any team. Though he loves Dortmund, a bid at the right price could persuade Dortmund to sell and if Champions League football is being offered as opposed to the Europa League Dortmund are in then he may be tempted to leave.
Lars Bender
A talented holding midfield, Lars Bender has made a name for himself at Bayer Leverkusen and is wanted by a number of clubs outside Germany. Though he doesn’t put the ball in the back of the net all that often, Bender is strong and commands the midfield like few others his age. He wins the ball well in the air and can put in a shift, often getting stuck in on excellent challenges.
Manchester United have been most linked with Bender after a move for Kevin Strootman is unlikely due to the player’s injury. Bender is still young at 26 years of age and could be what United are looking for in midfield if he can make the jump to England. His physical presence would surely be welcomed in a team still searching for the best lineup ahead of next year’s Champions League plight.
Salif Sane
Another solid option for a team looking for a versatile player in midfield, Salif Sane impressed in his 16 appearances for Hannover 96. Having played most of his matches as a defensive midfielder in the center of the park, Sane is great in the air and loves to intercept the ball. He’s strong and knows how to marshal his way around well enough, and even featured as a centerback a few times.
Sane is just 24 years old and will be coveted in the future, but clubs outside Germany would be wise to snap up the Senegalese man while he’s young before his value skyrockets. The right price would surely convince Hannover to sell and Sane could find himself elsewhere before too long.
Christoph Kramer
Arguably the best defensive midfielder under the age of 25 in the Bundesliga, Christoph Kramer’s name has been floating around speculation for months. The Borussia Monchengladbach man showed great promise this year in league play and remains one of the best in his class. His passing ability combined with his defensive mindset have created an excellent tackle-then-pass combo player capable of rising above when called upon.
Kramer is incredibly smart and will undoubtedly still improve, but if Gladbach are going to find success in European football this year they should hold onto their budding star. However, if they feel as if they can cash out on a player like Kramer and attempt to replace them, they may do just that as long as they receive an offer they like.