Bayern Munich have lost a number of forward players this summer, including Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman and Thomas Muller, but youngster Paul Wanner has decided to leave for PSV rather than compete for a first team spot
Bayern Munich chief Max Eberl has taken aim at youngster Paul Wanner with the 19-year-old set to join PSV in a £13million deal, suggesting he lacked "courage" to fight for his place at the Allianz Arena.
The attacking midfielder is one of the brightest prospects to come out of the club's academy in recent years and became the youngest player in Bayern Munich's history back in 2022.
Wanner came on as a substitute against Borussia Monchengladbach at the age of 16 years and 15 days under Julian Nagelsmann but has struggled to kick on since.
He's only made a total of eight appearances for Bayern since that day and has spent time on loan with Elversberg in 2023-24 and then starred for Heidenheim last season as he helped them avoid relegation, scoring six goals in 40 appearances.
But rather than compete for a spot in the Bayern first team under manager Vincent Kompany, Wanner has decided to join PSV where he will be guaranteed much more game time.
Eberl said the club were keen to develop players to become first team regulars and claimed there was an opportunity for attacking players to grab their chance this season due to a lack of forward options.
"We want to believe in players and work with them who are keen to become Bayern Munich players. And that requires taking steps. And it also requires courage," told the press on Thursday as he confirmed Wanner's medical had been booked.
"We're relatively thin in attack, and everyone can see that. If a player still doesn't believe in his chances, then you just have to make a decision somehow."
Bayern's first choice striker is Harry Kane, with Michael Olise and Luis Diaz the primary options to flank him.
Kompany also has Serge Gnabry but has lost Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sane, Mathys Tel and Thomas Muller this summer, meaning there will be much more chances for up and coming players to claim more game time in Bayern's attack.
Wanner's primary position is attacking midfield, where Jamal Musiala is first choice, but is also capable of playing on the right or left wing.
It's understood Bayern have inserted a buy-back clause in deal to sell Wanner to PSV and are now in the market for another forward - having been linked with Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku.