The Bayern Munich Champions League exit came after the German giants lost to Paris Saint-Germain 5-6 over two legs in the semi-final. Bayern lost in the semi-final last year as well.
The Bayern Munich Champions League exit has given rise to speculation about Vincent Kompany’s future as their manager. It remains to be seen whether the Bavarians will decide to part ways with the Belgian, who has won two successive Bundesliga titles with them. However, the Bayern Munich Champions League exit means that some reinforcement needs to be made in the team.
Bayern Munich Champions League Exit Shows the Need of a Proper Defensive Midfielder
The Bayern Munich Champions League exit shows the club should buy a proper defensive midfielder. Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic have played in the double-pivot for Bayern this season, but Kimmich has been too busy playing crosses into the opposition penalty box, and Pavlovic has simply not contributed enough.
We’re talking about big opponents on big European nights here, because, in the Bundesliga, Bayern could still manage to continue their dominance with the current set-up.
Over two legs against PSG, Bayern were repeatedly hurt by the Parisians through counterattacks. Kimmich and Pavlovic did not do enough to foil those counters, and the centre-backs had to fend for themselves. Had there been a proper defensive midfielder like Aurelien Tchouameni, for example, Bayern would have been much more difficult to penetrate.
Bayern need a proper destroyer in the middle of the pitch, who would add steel to their defence against other big European teams. It is pretty clear that Pavlovic is not that man.
Tchouameni has been reportedly linked to Manchester United in a potential move next summer. However, the deal is not finalised yet, and Bayern could still go for the French midfielder. Eduardo Camavinga, Tchouameni’s teammate at Real Madrid and the French national team, could be another possible acquisition for Bayern.
The Bavarians could also consider going for Elliot Anderson, the Nottingham Forest midfielder who has already been linked to Manchester City. Anderson is almost certain to feature in Champions League football next season for a club bigger than Nottingham Forest, and Bayern could well be that club should he leave the league.
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Bayern’s Last Proper Destroyer in Midfield
Javi Martinez played for Bayern from 2012 to 2021 and won a couple of Champions League titles with them, besides a plethora of Bundesliga titles. He could and did play as a centre-back as well.
A player like him would have been an ideal ally for Kimmich and would have allowed the latter to do some creative work. Leon Goretzka is there, but even he is not a proper destroyer.
The Bayern Munich Champions League exit extended their barren run in the competition to six years. In such a scenario, it becomes necessary for Bayern to go for a proper replacement. They could still go for another quality centre-back, but the need to sign a quality defensive midfielder in the 2026 summer transfer window is paramount.
It remains to be seen whether the Bayern Munich Champions League exit compels the club management to take some decisions in this regard.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Ulmer/Teamfoto
Recording Date: 06.05.2026
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