3 players Bayern Munich should try to sign in January transfer window

What do you get for a club that has everything?

Boasting arguably the deepest, most talented squad in Europe, Bayern Munich goes into the January transfer window knowing that a dormant month will do little harm to the club’s standing as Germany’s kingpin.

And yet, should the Bayern brass turn an eye to the future, they may capitalize with some understated moves that could help compliment the star-studded core for years to come.

With that in mind, here are three moves the Bavarian giant should consider over the next month:

Niklas Sule (Hoffenheim)

In Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels, manager Carlo Ancelotti can already call on Germany’s two best central defenders, the duo offering the ideal blend of athleticism, ruggedness, composure, and skill on the ball that everyone desires in their centre-half pairing.

But both have dealt with various ailments this season, while there are notable issues with bench options Holger Badstuber and Javi Martinez; the former, perennially injured, is out of contract this summer, while the Spaniard is naturally a defensive midfielder.

Prying emerging star Niklas Sule away from Hoffenheim would signal a significant coup for the reigning Bundesliga champion, and could immediately quell the concerns outlined above.

Only 21, the hulking central defender is regarded by many as the future of the Die Mannschaft backline, and while he wouldn’t come cheap – reports suggest Bayern would need to fork over some €25 million for his services – it would prove a shrewd move to ensure that Manuel Neuer is well shielded for years to come.

Sebastian Rudy (Hoffenheim)

While the potential signing of Sule would garner the headlines, Bayern has, somewhat quietly, also been linked with a move for his teammate, Sebastian Rudy.

On the surface an underwhelming move, the 26-year-old defensive midfielder would offer Carlo Ancelotti further cover in a position that is already well-stocked, but could quickly become thin by the end of the season.

Xabi Alonso’s contract is set to expire, Philipp Lahm has floated out the idea of retirement, and the likes of Thiago, and the aforementioned Martinez come with their share of injury concerns. None of this is to say that Rudy would become an instantly vital member of the team, but even the very best teams loaded with talent require solid, workmanlike squad members who can slot in at multiple positions and offer respite for their more illustrious peers.

Rudy, a stud defensive midfielder for Julian Nagelsmann’s side, would fit that bill at the Allianz Arena.

Arjen Robben (contract extension)

Alright, so it’s not exactly a transfer, but inking Dutch winger Arjen Robben to a new contract should be near the very top of Bayern’s list of priorities over the next month.

Related: Robben confident about new Bayern contract

Yes, he’s now 32. And yes, his career has been blighted by consistent trips to the treatment table, but the left-footed Robben remains one of the game’s most frightening attacking threats when fit, and still has the ability to back defenders off the same way he did when he had a full head of hair.

There’s something visceral about watching Robben jink and juke down the right wing, daring defenders to dive in; sure, he always ends up cutting in and firing a shot to the far post, but nobody’s been able to stop that exact sequence for a decade, and it’s still working this season despite his advancing age.

The Dutch star has found the net six times in only 14 appearances this campaign, and getting him to sign on the dotted line should arguably take precedence over making any new signings this month.