Pep Guardiola has today been officially unveiled as the new Bayern Munich head coach, after a year away from the game.
The treble-winning German giants dominated the domestic game last season, looking unbeatable at times, but how can Guardiola make his new side even stronger?
Here are five stars who would make a huge impact with The Bavarians:-
LUIS SUAREZ (Liverpool)
Although Mario Mandzukic and Mario Gomez are both very good strikers, neither are world-class players. Both are strong physical presences with an eye for goal, but they lack the genius and trickery to be among the truly elite forwards in the game.
Luis Suarez ticks all the boxes to become a superstar at Allianz Arena, barring his controversial character. The 26-year-old is one of the world’s most talented, unique players, and his incredible work rate and team ethic is something that Guardiola looks for in his players.
The Uruguayan’s future at Liverpool looks uncertain to say the least, and the fact that his agent is Guardiola’s brother only helps fuel speculation. If he made the move, he would be a superb addition to an already star-studded side.
THIAGO SILVA (Paris Saint-Germain)
Thought of by many as the best central defender on the planet at the moment, the 28-year-old Brazil captain would be the perfect addition to the Bayern Munich backline.
His international teammate, Dante, has been terrific since his move to the club last summer, and an all-Brazilian partnership has a mouth-watering feel to it. Jerome Boateng, Holger Badstuber and Daniel Van Buyten are all undoubtedly good players, but they can be bettered. Boateng is mistake-prone, Badstuber has long-term injury concerns and Van Buyten is now 35.
Barcelona have been strongly linked with a move for Thiago Silva, which could prove to be a potential stumbling block in a deal for the PSG star, but if Guardiola managed to snatch the Brazilian from the claws of his former employers it would signal a huge transfer coup.
ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI (Borussia Dortmund)
One of the hottest properties in Europe at the moment, the lethal Dortmund finisher has been strongly linked with a move to Bayern for a while now.
Admittedly, if Suarez were to sign for the club they probably wouldn’t need the Poland international too, but he’s certainly one of their main targets.
He has a similar physical stature to Mandzukic, but is slicker on the ball and more potent in front of goal. His four goals against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final made the world sit up and take notice of what a special talent the 24-year-old is, and he is a player who would add another dimension to Bayern’s superb attacking unit.
THIAGO ALCANTARA (Barcelona)
The Blaugrana youngster is seen as one of Spain’s most promising stars for the future, and his hat-trick in the recent under-21 European Championship final only increased his glowing reputation.
The 22-year-old has hinted at a move away from Camp Nou, with Manchester United reportedly interested in acquiring his services, but Guardiola’s history with the midfielder could hold the key to a possible move.
He can play in either a deep midfield position like Xavi, or a more offensive role behind the striker. With Bastian Schweinsteiger and Javi Martinez the undisputed first-choice pairing in the Bayern midfield, Thiago would be an excellent back up option.
Whether he feels his chances at Bayern would be as limited as they currently are at Barcelona could be an issue, especially with a starting midfield place there for the taking at Old Trafford for next season.
DANI ALVES (Barcelona)
The Brazilian right-back has been a wonderful servant at Barcelona, but there are rumours that he could leave the club this summer. Could his former coach swoop in and bring him to Germany?
The thought of having Dani Alves and Philipp Lahm – arguably the two best full-backs in world football – playing in the same side is a daunting one for the rest of Europe.
Some would argue that David Alaba has been magnificent at left-back and that Guardiola doesn’t need to strengthen in that area, but Alves would add another dimension to the whole of the side, with Lahm switching back to the left.
The 30-year-old was such a key player under Guardiola at Barcelona, and his marauding style has often had him unfairly criticised for poor defensive work. He’s not Paolo Maldini when it comes to defending, but he’s better than many think.
The thought of a fresh challenge could well appeal to Alves, having just reached his 30s, and the lure of playing under Guardiola again would surely be too good to turn down if an offer was made in his direction.
Who would you add to the Bayern Munich squad next season to strengthen it?
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