Bayern Munich is willing to sell Chris Richards for roughly €15 million, with Hoffenheim, Crystal Palace, and Southampton interested in his services.
Chris Richards spent the previous year and a half on loan at Hoffenheim, that are now interested in signing him permanently, but the Bundesliga club is unlikely to meet up with the asking price.
As the American defender returns to his parent club ahead of the coming season, there are speculations that he could be loaned back to TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.
The 22-year-old appears to be penciled in for a backup duty under Bayern’s coach Julian Nagelsmann. Hence, Richards would undoubtedly push for a move to a team where he can play regularly, as he did last summer.
Crystal Palace and Southampton, both in the English Premier League, are rumored to be interested in the American center-back, who is under contract until 2025.
Even though he is not a regular at Bayern, if Palace or Southampton come calling, his signing would not be cheap.
Ahead of the coming season, Richards is part of Julian Nagelsmann’s center-back group, which the club is not planning to dismantle this summer. But if any club makes a tempting offer for the American defender, Bayern would let him go.
Reports claimed that if Palace can not afford the asking price, the Premier League club would persuade Bayern Munich to loan him to Selhurst Park for a season.
Chris Richards’ versatility and ease of playing across the back line would help cover a variety of positions, and his physicality paired with poise in possession would complement Patrick Vieira’s current set of defenders who are trusted to play out from the back.
Right now, it’s unknown whether Palace’s interest will extend any further, though their present focus appears to be on closing a deal for Lens’ Cheick Doucoure before other teams swoop in and steal their top transfer target.
The Eagles are thought to have made an initial bid of roughly £14.5 million for the midfielder, which is considerably less than the French club’s estimated value of just over £20 million.
On the other hand, Julian Nagelsmann is into the business of improving his team as Bayern attempt to defend their Bundesliga title next season.
The German champions are aware of the decision of their top striker Robert Lewandowski to leave the team this summer. This is why they are pushing to secure the services of Liverpool forward Sadio Mane.
Lewandowski is linked with a move to Barcelona before the start of next season and Barça have prepared an improved offer for the Poland captain.
