Who is Omar Richards?
Richards is a 23-year-old left-back who plays for Reading in the Championship in England.
Since his debut for Reading in 2017, Richards has gone on to make 72 appearances for the club.
The Lewisham-born defender also has one England Under-21 cap.
How has the deal come about?
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported Bayern’s interest in the Reading defender in January.
Richards’ contract at Reading is set to expire at the end of the season, and his current club have not been able to tie him down to fresh terms.
A deal has now been agreed after three months of negotiations.
Why are Bayern interested?
Richards has the potential to be a good fit in the Bundesliga. A pacy, athletic full-back with an impressive physical profile, he offers excellent value on a free transfer.
Bayern could also sign Richards and sell him back to a British club after he has gained further first-team experience in the Bundesliga, which could further inflate his value.
Who is Bayern’s first-choice left-back?
Richards faces stiff competition for a starting spot in Hans-Dieter Flick’s starting XI.
Bayern’s first-choice left-back is Alphonso Davies, who was a key part of the side that won a continental treble in the 2019-20 season. The 20-year-old Canada international was subsequently voted into the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season and FIFA’s FIFPro World 11.
Richards would likely be used as Davies’ understudy, especially as 28-year-old David Alaba will leave on a free transfer in the summer.
Lucas Hernandez, Bayern’s club-record signing who joined in July 2019 from Atletico Madrid, would also provide competition. Hernandez can, however, also operate at centre-back as he did against his former club in the Champions League this season.
(Photo: James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
