Bayern's search for a Sané replacement hits a wall | OneFootball

Bayern Munich's attempts to reinforce their attack after Leroy Sané’s departure are hitting repeated obstacles, with the latest setback coming from Juventus regarding Kenan Yildiz, according to FCBInside and Italian outlet Tuttomercato. Bayern recently explored a move to bring the 20-year-old back to Bavaria after the winger’s rise to first-team prominence at Juventus. A product of Bayern’s academy before his 2022 transfer to Turin on a free, Yildiz has become a fan favourite and a key figure in Juve’s future planning.

However, Juventus have firmly ruled out selling Yildiz, telling the German champions and other suitors that a transfer is off the table this summer. The Turin club views the Turkish international as a cornerstone of their long-term project, and sources suggest his contract extension is seen as a mere formality. Juventus reportedly value him at around €100 million, a figure that makes any deal improbable even for well-resourced clubs like Bayern at present. According to FCBInside, there was never an advanced stage of talks, and the club mainly assessed the player’s situation informally.

This rejection is the latest frustration for Bayern in a challenging window. The club has encountered difficulties in pursuing top targets including Liverpool's Luis Díaz and Werder Bremen’s Nick Woltemade, with neither deal gaining real momentum to date.

With negotiations for Díaz ongoing but unresolved, Bayern’s recruitment team is broadening their search for solutions out wide. As reported by FCBInside, French outlet RMC Sport notes that Malick Fofana of Lyon is again under consideration as a potential alternative. The 20-year-old, who played 41 matches and scored 11 times for Lyon last season, has caught the eye not just for his output but for his versatility—comfortable on either wing and capable centrally, fitting the mould preferred by Vincent Kompany.

Bayern are not alone in their pursuit. Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Fulham, Nottingham Forest, RB Leipzig, and Serie A champions Napoli have all expressed varying levels of interest in Fofana. Lyon’s financial difficulties heighten the possibility of a sale, with the Ligue 1 side reportedly seeking around €60 million for the forward—well above the player’s current market value, but reflective of the international competition for his signature.

Despite Fofana’s appeal, Bayern are currently prioritizing Díaz, but should that chase falter, the Belgian international represents a logical next step. Fofana’s flexibility is especially valued given Sané’s exit and the need for depth in both attacking and creative roles. Still, with intense competition for young talent and clubs like Lyon aiming to maximize their return, Bayern’s summer business continues to face significant hurdles.

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