Bayern Munich's pre-season preparations are underway and a surprise name has emerged in the transfer market.
According to Sky Sports, center back Hiroki Ito could leave this summer if a suitable offer comes in.
The German club values the 26-year-old player for his skills and character, but is willing to consider offers that meet financial requirements.
The same report also mentions Kim Min-jae as another candidate for departure, with several Italian clubs following him for months.
If both leave in the summer, Bayern will be forced to intervene in the transfer market.
For the moment, apart from starting defenders Jonathan Tahut and Dayot Upamecano, only Josip Stanišići would remain as an alternative in the center of defense.
Bayern were also linked with a move for Nico Schlotterbeck, but his recent contract renewal with Borussia Dortmund has made this move very difficult and costly.
Although the new contract includes a release clause that is activated after the World Cup, reports indicate that Bayern are not among the clubs that could activate it.
This means that any transfer would require direct negotiations with Dortmund - something unlikely, given the club's reluctance to weaken the squad before the transfer window closes.
Hiroki Ito joined Bayern in 2024 from Stuttgart for 23.5 million euros.
Since then, he has struggled to break into the starting lineup, partly due to numerous injuries.
This season, he has made 19 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and providing two assists./Express newspaper/
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