As the 2022-2023 season approaches, several clubs are already busy boosting their squads, and Southampton are no exception. Chris Richards, a central defender for Bayern Munich, is likely to join the English team ahead of next season.
Southampton are rumored to be targeting a central defender in this transfer window, with Bayern Munich’s Chris Richards being a top target. Richards is an American who has been with the German giants since joining the club’s junior team in 2019.
Since then, he has struggled for game time in the club’s first-team squad, making only a handful of appearances off the bench before joining TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on loan.
At Hoffenheim, Chris Richards started the majority of games, but was limited to just three appearances in the final 14 games of the season due to a foot injury and then a hamstring injury.
The 22-year-old still has a promising future and would desire to get more game time at Bayern Munich.
But the Bundesliga champions’ team is filled with professional defenders who play at the top level. The quality of the team is one of the reasons why Chris Richards is not getting enough game time.
Hence, the American youngster is interested in going to a new club, and Southampton along with Crystal Palace are willing to sign him.
Going to England would help his career and develop him into a better player. He fits Southampton manager, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s style of play perfectly, both in a flat-back four and with a trio in the center with wing-backs. But the issue, as it has been for the past few years, is his lack of experience; with only 35 Bundesliga appearances under his belt, he is not the wise old head that Saints require in the back line right now.
He could join St Mary’s on loan if Bayern believes he can break into their first team with a little more experience, or on a permanent deal. If it’s a permanent deal, his value is estimated to be around £7.5 million, but his stock has risen since his loan spell at Hoffenheim, which could push up the price a little.
Bayern Munich are yet to accept any offer from Southampton or Crystal Palace but the deal is likely to be completed before the 2022/23 season. The addition of a defender on both teams could help them to finish stronger in the forthcoming season.
USMNT international Chris Richards will have the chance to impress and earn playing time with Bayern Munich in the summer.. if he’s unhappy with his playing situation there are 3 teams interested in a loan or permanent deal.. Crystal Palace, Southampton, and Hoffenheim. pic.twitter.com/9e8CDa1moH
— USMNT 🇺🇸 (@USMNTTAKES) June 12, 2022
