Bayern Munich: How Raphael Varane Could Fit into Carlo Ancelotti's Plans

Bayern Munich wasted no time in beginning their summer transfer campaign, signing Mats Hummels and Renato Sanches on May 10. Yet despite dropping a whopping €73 million to sign the pair, per Transfermarkt, Bayern's summer dealings may not be over yet.

Earlier this week, Le Parisien (h/t AS' Manolete) reported that incoming Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti has specified Raphael Varane as his most desired signing ahead of his first day on the job, July 1.

At first glance, it may seem nonsensical for Bayern to target Varane, given that Hummels is an excellent addition in the same position. The former Borussia Dortmund man will join forces with fellow Germany international Jerome Boateng, surely making the backbone of the Bayern defense for the next few years at least.

Yet Varane would bring plenty to the table, both tactically and in terms of depth.

One thing that Varane has that Hummels lacks is pace. He might be a bit faster than Boateng but is certainly a lot quicker than Bayern's new signing. The Real Madrid man has great tackling skills and instincts to intercept the ball, and he would be a big asset in cases in which Bayern need some extra pace: Notably against counterattacking sides if the Bavarians are playing with a high defensive line.

In 2015-16, Pep Guardiola sometimes opted for pace ahead of size, putting David Alaba in central defense. The Austria international lacked a bit of muscle to contend with physical strikers but, due to pressing by his teammates, was often tasked with the responsibility of chasing long clearances.

That role suited Alaba's characteristics, and it would suit Varane's if the Frenchman were put in a similar situation. He's not quite as fast as Alaba, but the difference isn't particularly huge, and he would be able to defend better in more "classical" central-defensive situations.

In all likelihood, though, Varane would not start ahead of Hummels or Boateng; at least not while the Germany internationals are still among their best years. Where Varane could fit in, however, is as a third center back in a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 formation.

Combinations of three center backs are en vogue now, with many Italian teams in particular having adopted systems with three interior defenders flanked by wing-backs. And although Ancelotti is perhaps best known for his Milan team that played in a 4-3-1-2 formation, the trainer also used 3-4-1-2 while at Juventus.

Ancelotti is more a pragmatist than an orthodox; he can be tactically flexible according to the scenario he faces and the team he has.

What he would have if Varane were to join is an incredible back three capable of withstanding just about anything. And unlike the current Italy team, for example, he'd hardly be sacrificing midfield quality to have a three-man defense—Boateng and Hummels are excellent players of the ball, with the latter in particular having the ability to play as a sweeper in joining the attack.

"

El día que Varane humilló a Messi y al Barcelona. El mejor central joven del mundo. pic.twitter.com/S5jhk2NT2f

— 11 Champions. RMCF. (@RM__CF) June 29, 2016"

The other and perhaps most obvious use of Varane would be as depth, given Holger Badstuber's perpetually injured state and the likely departure of Medhi Benatia.

It's uncertain whether Badstuber will ever have a full, healthy season. And it looks like Benatia, after a miserable 2015-16 campaign in Munich that saw Alaba and young midfielder Joshua Kimmich progress past him in the pecking order, will go: La Repubblica (h/t Football Italia) claims he is being courted by Juventus, with a €20 million transfer fee on the cards.

Bayern are allegedly willing to pay around twice that fee, with Marca quoting a €40 million offer. And the report adds that Real manager Zinedine Zidane is doing his best to convince Varane, whose contract runs until 2020, to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ancelotti has an ace up his sleeve in that he has worked with Varane before: The defender grew under the Italian's tutelage and became a starter early in the 2014-15 campaign. It was perhaps for this reason that he signed a six-year contract at the time.

Last season, Varane took a step back, so it could be a good chance for Ancelotti to pounce. There would be plenty of competition for playing time in Munich, but if Bayern were to spend €40 million to sign him, Varane would consider himself valued. And at that price, surely he'd be given plenty of playing time.

In spite of the hefty price tag, Bayern may well sign Varane if he is Ancelotti's ideal addition. Central defenders are expensive these days, and Bayern are just a couple injuries away from having a fitness crisis like the one they faced in February.

Varane could be a great addition for depth and could provide another fleet-footed option in defense with the possibility of playing 3-5-2 or 3-4-3. And aged just 23 years, the former Lens man could be a great addition for the long-term. Ancelotti has trusted him in the past, and Varane could well be just the player Bayern need to round off their summer spending.

@Mr_Bundesliga