Tag Archives: Bastian Schweinsteiger

Can Juventus’ Arturo Vidal really replace Bastian Schweinsteiger at Bayern Munich this summer?

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Bayern Munich are reportedly close to signing Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal, with club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitting the perennial German Bundesliga champions have been lining him up this summer, saying: “We’re interested, but we’re not yet so far that we’ve discussed details and signed contracts. I read that it was all wrapped up and I cannot confirm that. I hope at the end of the day he will come.”

The title-holders are looking to replace Bastian Schweinsteiger, who left the German outfit to join up with his former manager at Manchester United, and in his place Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal looks to be the preferred replacement. Given the differences in style between the player and manager Pep Guardiola, it would be a surprise to see the Chilean through the door, but he’s been a long-term target of the Bavaria club.

“(Then-Bayern manager) Jupp Heynckes really wanted (Vidal) and we tried all we could to sign him. The message we were given was that the player didn’t want to come to us, but that’s not true. It was Leverkusen who clearly turned down what was a better offer from us at the time purely because they didn’t want Vidal to continue playing in the Bundesliga,” added Rummenigge.

Arturo Vidal, 29, is a talented and highly-experienced midfielder, but his attributes don’t quite weigh up with the manager’s philosophy. He has an abundance of energy, and is full-bloodied going into his challenges, but does the Chilean have the finesse and composure to blend into the Bayern outfit?

Known more for the amount of bookings picked up in a season, Vidal appears to be somewhat of a panic buy. He doesn’t fit the Bayern Munich system, and the extent of Guardiola’s true impact on the signing may speak volumes. A host of European sides were after him this summer, believing Juventus wouldn’t stand in his way if he wanted a move, but the German giants appear to have won the race.

With such a key player like Bastian Schweinsteiger having departed the club for Manchester United ahead of the new season, Bayern have quickly sought out the first world-class midfielder available. Vidal was seeking a move away from the Italian Serie A, and subsequently jumped at the chance to join a side of Bayern’s reputation. He’s certainly not a typical Guardiola signing, and he’s not of the same ilk as the player his replacing, so why have the Germans been so forthright in their bid to sign Vidal this summer?

Could Manchester United win the Premier League with Bayern’s Bastian Schweinsteiger?

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Manchester United are reportedly close to signing Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger this summer, with the German international keen on renewing acquaintances with his former manager Louis van Gaal. United have been busy in the summer transfer window in a bid to challenge for the 2015/16 Premier League title, so could Schweinsteiger lead them to glory?

The Red Devils finished 4th in the division last season in Van Gaal’s debut campaign. The Dutch boss targeted winning the title in one of his three years at Old Trafford, and he’s been actively building a side strong enough to contend Schweinsteiger would be a real statement of intent, especially with the likes of Memphis Depay a United player for next season.

Injuries early into 2014/15 saw the Premier League hopefuls struggle for form, but they had two impressive winning streaks in November/December & February/April that will convince the manager and supporters that the can challenge the sides at the top. Bastian Schweinsteiger’s CV is very impressive – boasting eight league titles, seven DFB-Pokals, one Champions League, and six more minor trophies -  and it’s such winning credentials that could help turn Manchester United back into champions.

The 30-year-old only made 15 league starts last season, and witnessed another failed Champions League campaign under manager Pep Guardiola, but he performed well when called upon. Injuries limited his game time in the previous campaign, and quotes made from the Bayern president Karl Heinz Rummenigge hinted that the long-serving midfielder had been considering his future after learning of United‘s interest.

“I was on the phone with Bastian Schweinsteiger on vacation. We will meet when he’s back. I make no bones about the fact that I have been heard in this conversation that he is flattered by the interest from England,” he said. The German international has just 12 months on his deal with the perennial Bundesliga champions, which leaves Bayern Munich with a decision to make; either they cash in on him now, or risk losing him for nothing the following summer.

Playing in the Premier League is something that has always fascinated the experienced and industrious midfielder, and now he has the chance under a former manager if he can agree terms with United. He would slot straight into their side too, with the ageing Michael Carrick likely to be the one making way for the 111-cap man.

Could Manchester United win the Premier League title with Bayern Munich’s Bastian Schweinsteiger?

Is Bastian Schweinsteiger really considering a late move to the Premier League?

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Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger recently hinted that his future may not lie at the Allianz-Arena this summer, with Manchester United being linked with his signature ahead of the new season. The German international has ties with the Premier League club through manager Louis van Gaal, who was formerly in charge of the perennial Bundesliga champions.

Schweinsteiger won two league titles under Van Gaal, and is considering a summer switch to Old Trafford which would see the two renew acquaintances. He is planning talks with chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, and has said he will make his official decision soon. With only one year left on his current contract with his boyhood club, Bayern will be anxious to hash out Schweinsteiger’s future, rather than risk losing him for nothing the following summer.

“I’ve agreed with (chairman) Karl-Heinz Rummenigge that we’ll have a chat this summer to see how the future looks. I’ve still got a year on my contract so there’s no rush, and the summer’s only just beginning,” he said.

The 30-year-old has enjoyed yet another successful season with Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga title by some distance. The end of the campaign wasn’t as pretty for the German giants, as their form went to pieces in the latter month, perhaps due to complacency of sealing the league crown so early, and their failure in the Champions League once more could well be the nail in the coffin.

Schweinsteiger perhaps feels Bayern Munich are at the precipice, with the likes of Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, Philipp Lahm, Xabi Alonso all in the eves of their careers, which could see an internal struggle during their inevitable transition period. The experience central midfielder is seriously considering a move away from a club he has spent his whole senior career at, and Manchester United would greatly benefit.

Missing the start of the season through injury, the German international made 20 league appearances last campaign, scoring and creating nine goals. He’s an expert at ball retention, completing 88% of his passes, while an all-round influence both offensively and defensively – evident from his 31 chances created, while averaging a tackle or interception every 22 minutes.

It’s not hard to see why Manchester United want such a world-class midfielder in their side, and the bookmakers’ odds  certainly suggest a move could be in the making this summer. He turns 31 in August, but still is considering a risky move to the physical Premier League at his age as he believes in his ability and trusts Van Gaal will take care of him in England.

Will Bastian Schweinsteiger really leave Bayern Munich for Old Trafford?