Kahn and Salihamidzic sackings could lead to Bayern Munich exodus: Davies, Mané, Hernandez…

Despite winning the 2022/23 Bundesliga in dramatic fashion, pipping Borussia Dortmund on the final day of the season thanks to Yamal Musiala’s last-minute winner, Bayern Munich are in utter chaos. Minutes after securing the league title, the club announced that CEO Oliver Kahn and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic had been fired, which could have a knock-on effect when it comes to Thomas Tuchel’s playing squad for next term.

Davies, Pavard and Cancelo exits possible

In addition to Canada international Alphonso Davies, who is thought to be wanted by Real Madrid, French defender Benjamin Pavard is another who has no intention of renewing his contract beyond 2024 and is hopeful of leaving the club this summer. His ability to perform consistently well at both right-back and in central defence has made him an attractive target for clubs around the continent who are looking to strengthen their back line. Manchester City loanee João Cancelo will definitely depart, with Bayern not willing to spend the €70 million required to turn his temporary move into a permanent one.

Liverpool return on the cards for Sadio Mané?

In attack, Sadio Mané and Thomas Müller are amongst those who could be moved on. The former Liverpool star’s potential departure would hardly come as a surprise after his altercation with teammate Leroy Sané following the Champions League defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad. A return to the Reds could even be on the cards, given the success he had at Anfield.

Time finally up for veteran Thomas Müller?

Müller, meanwhile, has been one of Bayern’s most high-profile players for well over a decade and his time at the club is rumoured to have been up for several seasons. This could finally be the year, with the incoming sporting director expected to have the final say.

Could boardroom changes push Lucas Hernandez departure?

Salihamidzic’s departure is also likely to affect Lucas Hernandez’s future. The Bosnian was the man who pushed the move for the defender in 2019, convincing the club to pay Atlético Madrid €80 million for the France international. On top of that, Salihamidzic also offered a huge amount of support to Hernandez as he recovered from a knee ligament tear.

A few months ago, it was taken for granted in Germany that the centre-back-cum-full-back would sign an extended contract, with talks taking place behind the scenes. However, the situation has now changed dramatically following the departures of Salihamidzic and Kahn, while Paris Saint-Germain have reiterated their desire to take Hernandez to the French capital. The Ligue 1 champions already declared their interest in the player a year ago but were categorically told that he wasn’t for sale.

PSG hopeful of Hernandez signing

Bayern’s position in the negotiations has weakened as time has move forward, with more and more doubts having crept into Hernandez’s mind. And the sudden changes in the board room appear to make an exit more likely. In Paris, optimism over his possible signing has grown in the last few hours. PSG president Nasser Al Khelaïfi is personally leading the negotiations and the nature of his interest has captured the imagination of the defender.

Hernandez’s final decision is expected to be made in the next few weeks. If he opts not to extend his contract, Bayern will be forced to sell him, as they would risk losing him for nothing in 2024. PSG, who have been in constant contact with the Frenchman’s entourage, view him as the ideal candidate to form a strong central defensive partnership with Milan Skriniar, who has already reached an agreement to join the club on a free transfer this summer.