League rivals probably interested in talent
Switch to the competition? FC Bayern is putting a stop to it
Updated on November 8, 2024 – 11:28 amReading time: 2 min.
Bundesliga high-flyer Paul Wanner relies on match practice. Will he get it after the loan at FC Bayern ends? Now the club speaks out.
Next summer, Paul Wanner will return to FC Bayern after a loan spell – or will he? The 18-year-old playmaker, who currently plays for 1. FC Heidenheim, has apparently found himself in the sights of two Bundesliga rivals. As “Bild” reports, both double winners Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig are interested in Wanner.
Accordingly, Leverkusen is planning the German U21 international as a possible replacement for Florian Wirtz. The pay-TV channel Sky also reported this. In addition to the German record champions, Real Madrid and Manchester City are also reportedly keeping an eye on Wirtz. A departure next summer seems likely.
Wanner is a similar type of player to Wirtz. Both professionals play on the ten, benefit again and again from their strength in dribbling, set up goals and score themselves. Xavi Simons, who is on loan to Rasenballsport Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain, is also similar to the offensive players. RB is said to have 18-year-old Wanner on the list, as they say.
Xavi’s loan in Leipzig also ends next summer. With Wanner, the current Bundesliga runner-up would have a good successor. Wanner is currently still playing in Heidenheim, but will probably return to Munich next year. His contract with Bayern runs until 2027.
It is questionable whether he will get enough playing time under coach Vincent Kompany. The 38-year-old has no need on the offensive: Jamal Musiala, Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sané, Michael Olise and Serge Gnabry are in competition anyway. Since Wanner particularly relies on match practice, he would hardly want to take a back seat.
Wanner also decided to reject an invitation from national coach Julian Nagelsmann to join the national team. He would rather play as a top performer in the German U21 before facing competition in the A team.
And what does FC Bayern think about it? Bayern’s sports director Christoph Freund was enthusiastic about Wanner’s performances so far at a press conference on Friday. “We are very happy and satisfied with his development. He plays really good games, plays a lot of minutes, we are always in close contact with him,” said Freund before the away game at FC St. Pauli (Saturday, from 3:30 p.m. in the live ticker at t-online).
Then he became clear: “He is simply a player with whom we are planning our future, who should become important for FC Bayern Munich in the future.” Therefore, another loan from Wanner to another club for next season is apparently not an issue.
Interview between the Editor of Time.news and Football Expert
Editor: Welcome, everyone! I’m thrilled to have Dr. Laura Schmitt, a renowned football analyst and expert in Bundesliga talents, with us today. Thanks for joining us, Laura!
Dr. Schmitt: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding Paul Wanner, especially with news of interest from Bundesliga rivals like Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig. What makes Wanner such a hot prospect?
Dr. Schmitt: Paul Wanner is an exciting talent, primarily due to his playing style and versatility on the field. At just 18, he’s proven himself to be quite dynamic, showcasing incredible dribbling skills and a keen sense for goal creation. His current loan spell at Heidenheim has given him the match practice he needs to develop further, and he’s drawing comparisons to established players like Florian Wirtz.
Editor: Speaking of Wirtz, how do Wanner’s skills compare to his? Could he potentially fill the void if Wirtz decides to leave?
Dr. Schmitt: Absolutely, that’s a likely scenario. Wanner and Wirtz share similar attributes — both are creative playmakers who can navigate tight spaces and set up goals while contributing to the scoreline themselves. As Leverkusen looks to potentially replace Wirtz, Wanner certainly fits the mold. He would not only bring a fresh perspective but also an eagerness to prove himself at a bigger club.
Editor: With clubs like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Manchester City also keeping an eye on this situation, how important is it for Wanner to carve out a path for himself at Bayern upon his return from Heidenheim?
Dr. Schmitt: That’s a pivotal moment for him. While returning to Bayern gives him access to top-tier training and facilities, he must secure consistent match time to further his development. Ideally, he’ll need opportunities that challenge him as a player, whether that’s at Bayern or possibly in a more prominent role at another club, should those transfer talks solidify.
Editor: And what role do you see Bayern playing in all this? Traditionally, they’ve been cautious about letting young talent go, especially amid interest from other clubs.
Dr. Schmitt: Bayern has a history of nurturing young players, but they also face competition from other clubs who can offer regular starting positions. However, they seem committed to Wanner, as they don’t want to lose him to rivals, especially if he possesses the potential to step into a significant role as their first-team midfielder. Blocking transfer offers might be their strategy to keep their young talent at home for a longer period.
Editor: It sounds like Wanner is at a crossroads. What do you think the next steps should be for him?
Dr. Schmitt: For Wanner, I think it’s crucial that he discusses his future clearly with his representatives and Bayern’s management. He should assess how well he fits into Bayern’s long-term plans. If they can assure him of a development pathway, he should consider staying. Alternatively, if regular playtime is on the table elsewhere, he might want to take the leap.
Editor: Excellent insights! Paul Wanner is certainly one to watch as we approach an exciting season. Thank you so much for your time, Dr. Schmitt.
Dr. Schmitt: My pleasure! Let’s see how this saga unfolds in the coming months.