Bayern Munich Focuses on Building for the Future, No Major Signings Planned in Winter Transfer Window

Bayern Munich won't be shopping for new players in January's transfer window. Instead, the German giants are banking on getting three key injured players back on the pitch — and their sporting director thinks that's all they need to stay competitive.

Christoph Freund, Bayern's sporting director, made it clear the club isn't planning any winter signings. The reason is simple: they're about to get some serious firepower back from the injury list.

"In principle, I've learned in football never to rule out anything 100%, but this isn't planned because we're well organized," Freund explained. He's counting on the return of three "very important" players to give the team the boost it needs.

The trio coming back includes Hiroki Ito, Alphonso Davies, and Jamal Musiala. Freund sees their recovery as Bayern's real winter transfers. "We hope these will be our winter signings, and then we'll be in a very strong position," he said.

Here's where each player stands: Japanese defender Ito has already returned from a broken metatarsal and is getting minutes as a substitute. Canadian left-back Davies is back in team training after tearing his ACL. And 22-year-old attacking midfielder Musiala, who broke his leg and dislocated his ankle during the Club World Cup last July, is training with the ball again.

But there's another big question hanging over Bayern — what happens with Manuel Neuer? The legendary goalkeeper's future beyond this season remains up in the air.

Freund says they talk with Neuer regularly but haven't discussed a contract extension yet. Those conversations will happen in spring. "The most important thing is that he feels fit, stays healthy, and continues to perform at a strong level," Freund noted.

Neuer will turn 40 in March and has been Bayern's keeper since 2011. He's made some uncharacteristic mistakes recently, but Freund isn't worried. "I don't see a problem at all. Neuer is having an amazing season and is at his best. He's a very important pillar for us."

This approach shows Bayern's confidence in their current squad depth and their medical team's ability to get players back to full fitness. Rather than spending money on short-term fixes, they're betting that their returning stars will provide the quality they need for the second half of the season.