Why Defence Will Be Bayern Munich's Priority in Summer Transfer Window

Many transfer stories have circled the global press as of late, the current international break allowing reporters to stray away from match-related coverage and investigate how Europe's top football clubs will be planning their transfer strategies.

There have been dozens of stories regarding super-rich Manchester City and other British clubs disappointed to (most likely) miss out on the Premier League title due to Leicester's incredible season. But in Germany and abroad, there has been very little reportage on Bayern Munich's transfer plans for the summer.

Maybe Carlo Ancelotti hasn't yet made any serious decisions, but when he does, it most likely will be in favor of shoring up the Bayern defense. Despite the German giants' impressive record of goals conceded in the Bundesliga (just 13 goals in 27 games), their concession of four goals in the Champions League against Juventus, as well as their general personnel situation, indicates some changes will be needed this summer.

There is no questioning Jerome Boateng and David Alaba's utility at centre-back and left-back, respectively. Both recently extended their contracts and are among the top two or three players in their respective positions, if not the very best. Beyond them, though, there are some concerns.

The first is that Philipp Lahm turns 33 midway through the fall campaign. He's a legend of Bayern Munich, but the club will need to start thinking of sharing his minutes at first and eventually replacing him. The captain's current backup, Rafinha, is no spring chicken either: He turns 31 in September and never was up to the level of his defensive colleagues in any case.

A younger, rising full-back would be perfect to bring in during the summer; Mitchell Weiser was a perfect option before he left for Hertha BSC on a free transfer last summer, so the Bavarians will probably have to look elsewhere.

The other issue that needs addressing is the second centre-back position alongside Boateng. Serdar Tasci has made just one appearance since joining Bayern on loan from Spartak Moscow and only has been included in the matchday squad on four occasions. It seems unlikely that Bayern will look to retain his services.

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Holger Badstuber has only played 25 games since 2012. 

— Jordan (@Jord_Borussia) February 14, 2016"

Mehdi Benatia has hardly played this season, and his recent horror show against Juventus may have ended his career as a Bayern player. Bild (in German) recently reported that he may no longer play under Pep Guardiola, and Calcio Mercato reporter Nicola Balice has revealed that Juventus have made an offer for the 28-year-old.

Calcio Mercato also reported in October that Benatia was homesick for Italy, which could in part explain his downturn in form this season.

Then there is Holger Badstuber, whose enthusiasm for football and tremendous resilience are to be applauded but whose lack of playing time and injury proneness must be cause for concern. The 27-year-old will end this season having played (per Transfermarkt) 1643 minutes since December 2012. He's come back from injury again and again but is incredibly unreliable if he stays in Munich. Bayern will need other options.

Javi Martinez is also injury-prone, but another concern with the Spaniard is whether Ancelotti will continue using him in defense or will move him into midfield, where he flourished in his first season with the Bavarian giants.

VI-Images/Getty Images

The tactical use of Martinez is still up in the air, but one issue that almost surely will not be is the use of Joshua Kimmich. Guardiola recently told reporters (via Goal): "Please don't tell me he isn't a centre-back." But he isn't; he's a midfielder and a very talented one at that. Less the type to resort to strange tactical decisions, Ancelotti will probably agree.

Kimmich has played well in defense in Guardiola's system, one that not only emphasizes possession but also pressing in a manner that minimizes aerial pressure on the centre-backs. Opponents are often forced to clear the ball in such a way that speed to the ball is more a concern among defenders than winning headers, and Kimmich's diminutive stature (just 1.76 meters) hasn't been exposed as a weakness.

It will if he's forced to contend in the air with Europe's physical forwards, and that in all likelihood will happen in the absence of Guardiola's system. Ancelotti has a great midfield talent in Kimmich and, unless he opts to take a huge tactical risk, will put the Stuttgart academy graduate back in his natural position.

Thus, if Benatia leaves and Martinez and Kimmich are used in midfield, Ancelotti will only have the injury-prone Badstuber to pair with Boateng. It's not enough; he'll certainly look for more depth. The question is whether the incoming trainer targets a player whom he intends to use as a starter or who will fill in as backup.

In any case, adding one or two central defensive options will surely be a priority. As will the issue of right-back as a successor for Lahm is sought.

Great though Bayern's defensive record may now be, the German record champions will need a few changes in their back line if they are to maintain a such a high level of performance next season.

@Mr_Bundesiga