Where is Denis Zakaria Off Next and Who Needs Him?

Given how Denis Zakaria currently plays in the Bundesliga and with Bayern Munich’s tendency to hover up any real talent in German football, links to Zakaria were always inevitable. Reports suggest that Bavarians are interested in securing the midfielder and when looking at their squad, with Joshua Kimmich and Marc Roca the only notable defensive midfielders on their books, added cover would likely be welcomed as Bayern typically endure long intense seasons.

A move to Bayern would likely see Zakaria lift the Bundesliga title annually, however, he may only play a bit-part role as fan favourite Joshua Kimmich has occupied his preferred position in Bavaria for several years and is generally regarded as one of the best around.

That being said, Zakaria may fancy a move to Julian Nagelsmann’s team, as at just 25, would likely secure a long-term contract at Germany's best side, and would be sure to add silverware to a currently empty trophy cabinet.

The Denis Zakaria next club odds to Bayern sit at 3/1.

Staying in Germany, another side who could feasibly secure Zakaria’s services are Borussia Dortmund, with current defensive midfielder Axel Witsel set to leave the club when his contract expires this summer. With Witsel departing, Dortmund will certainly need to sign a replacement and in not being a cash-rich club, a move for Zakaria aligns with their typical transfer strategy.

Landing Zakaria at 25 would help Dortmund future-proof their squad, as whilst they have a wide berth of both young and old players, they lack talent in the mid-age range of Zakaria’s who may be essential in the coming years to provide necessary experience.

One pull for Zakaria may be the Swiss contingent already at BVB, with goalkeepers Gregor Kobel, Roman Burki, and Marwin Hitz alongside defender, Manuel Akanji, all being from Switzerland, and therefore perhaps making it easier for the midfielder to settle on a personal level.

Recently, reports have been quietly linking Zakaria to BVB with many media outlets suggesting he will go elsewhere which in all honesty, makes sense, as given the competition for his signature, Zakaria may have hopes of moving to an elite Champions League level club in search of his first professional trophy.

The Denis Zakaria next club odds to Dortmund are at 10/1.

From a purely footballing perspective, a move to Manchester United perhaps makes the most sense, as the Red Devils have been crying out for a midfielder of Zakaria’s mould for what seems like an age. While a switch to Old Trafford is glamorous, it certainly has its drawbacks, as whilst Zakaria guaranteed a large contract and first-team minutes, if he harbours aspirations of silverware and Champions League football, there is no promise of him fulfilling that here.

For obvious reasons, reports link Zakaria heavily for a move to Manchester, with many suggesting this is the Swiss star's most likely destination for the start of next season. Zakaria would be an immediate upgrade on both Fred and Scott McTominay and whilst predominantly operating as a defensive midfielder, he is adept at playing centre-back adding a further string to his bow. From a United standpoint, it makes sense to add an experienced midfielder with proven quality to their books, and even more so if no fee is required.

Ultimately, the decision will be down to Zakaria himself, with the midfielder needing to decide his priorities between guaranteed minutes, the chance of silverware, or a bumper contract. In our eyes, no club can offer all three of these, but a move to Old Trafford perhaps comes closest as we can see Zakaria become an early signing under Ralf Rangnick’s era of consultation.

The Denis Zakaria next club odds to United are at 4/1

Throughout January, Zakaria has been heavily linked to Liverpool, potentially as an eventual replacement to captain Jordan Henderson who looks to be in the final seasons at the top of the game. The media seem split on this one, as some outlets suggest Liverpool are in pole position to land the midfielder, however, others are adamant the Reds have ruled themselves out of the race completely.

A move to Anfield would certainly see a significant wage increase, as well the promise for competing for the Premier League, the Champions League, and domestic cups every season, although one drawback of this switch is no guarantee of minutes.

If everyone is fit, the Liverpool midfield trio is nailed on meaning at least next season, Zakaria would likely be a rotation option. However, with an ageing midfield, he could become a first-team player in the future. At 25, Zakaria is in his prime and whilst presumably wanting a move to a top club, he will want to be a starter wherever he goes which may not be the case at Anfield, therefore seeing the potentially Reds miss out on this one.

The Denis Zakaria next club odds to Liverpool are at 6/1.