Toni, Andi, Alex, and Breno: Bayern Munich's Activities in the Transfer Market

Bayern have a somewhat strange approach to the tranfer market. Three loan deals and a transfer have already been decided on—and what puzzles me most is the transfer of Alexander Baumjohann.

Luca Toni's transfer is definitely the most high profile on the list. It was inevitable that he would leave Bayern for greener pastures. The twist is Bayern didn't get rid of him completely. They gave him to AS Roma for a six-month loan deal.

According to Bayern, they decided to fulfill his desire of trying to earn himself a place in the Italy squad for the World Cup and thus allowed him to return to Italy, albeit for a short while.

In his first press conference, Toni said that he maintains a good relationship with the Bayern executives who helped this transfer come through despite his problems with Louis Van Gaal.

If Van Gaal remains Bayern's coach well into 2010, the door will be shut on Toni's face; if, however, things do change, Toni might just be able to return and put in a few games for the Bavarians (and a few headers too).

Nuremberg are Bayern's regional rivals and they are currently in danger of being relegated. Bayern enjoy helping their local rivals out. They even share a stadium with one of them, 1860 Munchen. So, as tradition, Andreas Ottl and Breno Borges have joined Nuremberg on six-month loan deals.

Breno, as most of us know, needs to mature while Andreas Ottl is just not getting enough playing time thanks to Mark Van Bommel and Anatoliy Tymoschuk. Ottl is a very good defensive midfielder and will definitely be a great addition to the Nuremberg squad.

Finally, Alexander Baumjohann was signed in the summer from Borussia Monchengladbach. He is a very talented midfielder and has found playing time hard to come by. Initially, it was thought that Baumjohann would be loaned somewhere. Instead, Bayern have handed a very talented player to a direct title rival.

Schalke, for all their cash problems have purchased the player who started off his proffesional career with them. Under Felix Magath, Baumjohann is bound to develop and mature into a wonderful player.

Louis Van Gaal wanted the squad trimmed and it looks like he got his wish.

From my point of view, I will miss Andreas Ottl, who is a product of the Bayern youth academy. I hope to see him back to his parent club in the near future.