Bayern Munich Transfer News: Niko Kovac Says Sebastian Rudy Can Leave

Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac says midfielder Sebastian Rudy can leave the Bundesliga champions in the summer transfer window.

"Sebastian is a player who wants to play a lot. He can leave if he agrees terms," he said, according to ESPN FC's Mark Lovell. "We are really well-catered for in midfield with numerous top players in that position. They cannot all play at the same time, therefore it makes sense that he looks elsewhere."

Rudy was part of the Germany squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. However, he has struggled to command a regular place in the Bayern team since arriving from Hoffenheim last summer.

The 28-year-old only made 16 Bundesliga starts for Bayern with competition for places fierce. His lack of playing time did not affect his international hopes, as he was selected by Joachim Low for the World Cup.

Germany endured a disappointing campaign, as they failed to make it out of the group stages. However, Rudy put in a strong showing despite only seeing limited game time for Die Mannschaft in Russia.

Rudy said earlier in the summer he wanted to stay and fight for his place, as shown by Lovell:

Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus has said it would be a mistake for his former team to sell the midfielder in his Sky Sport column (h/t Fox Sports).

"In my view, it would be a big mistake to let Rudy go. Apart from Javi Martinez, I only see one real six in the Bayern squad—and that is Sebastian Rudy," he said. "If the Spaniard should fail or take a break, Bayern would not have an equivalent replacement for the spot."

Yet Kovac's comments suggest Rudy will see little game time this season. Rudy was an unused substitute in Bayern Munich's 5-0 German Super Cup win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

Rudy also appears to be a man in demand. Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said he has been given him "permission to meet Schalke coach Domenico Tedesco," according to Lovell.

RB Leipzig are also said to be admirers, per football journalist Manuel Veth:

However, Leizpig coach Ralf Rangnick has denied rumours he has signed for the club, per Goal's Ronan Murphy:

Rudy has decisions to make before the transfer window closes at the end of the month over whether to stay and fight for his place or move on. A move away from Bayern is likely to be a step down, but at 28 he may prefer to be playing more regularly.