Yesterday, Bayern Munich and Germany legend Philipp Lahm dropped a bombshell on the footballing world by announcing that he would be retiring at the end of the season. No sooner had the World Cup and Champions League winning captain made his announcement, than talk switched to who would replace Lahm.
Unsurprisingly, Bayern aren't wasting any time in identifying Lahm's replacement.
According to Sport Bild in Germany, Bayern are preparing a move for Bayer Leverkusen teenager Benjamin Henrichs, who is believed to be top of the Bundesliga champion's shopping list.
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Can Henrich thrive at Bayern or will he go the way of these other 'wonderkids'?
Like Lahm, Henrichs can operate as a full-back or a midfielder. The 19-year-old recently made his full international debut in Germany's 8-0 mauling of San Marino and has turned out 24 times for Leverkusen already this season, 17 times in the Bundesliga and once in the DFB Pokal while also featuring in all six of their Champions League games.
The next Lahm? Benjamin Henrichs may only be 19, but he's already being earmarked as the Bayern legend's replacement. Image: PA
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It was initially believed that Bayern would target Henrichs for a 2018 move, but following Lahm's announcement after yesterday's 1-0 victory over Wolfsburg, the Bavarian giants are looking to bring the move forward a year, although there have even been whispers that 21-year-old wonderkid Joshua Kimmich could be deployed in Lahm's role.
Lahm will bring his career long association with Bayern to an end, this Summer. Image: PA
With seven Bundesliga titles, six DFB Pokals and a Champions League under his belt during his 22 year association with Bayern, whoever ends up inheriting his role has one of the greatest acts in modern football to follow. No pressure then, Benjamin Henrichs.
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(H/T Dream Team FC)
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Football, Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich