Report: Paul Wanner bolts Bayern Munich for PSV in Eredivisie move

The deal, confirmed by Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg, sees the German champions receive a fixed fee of fifteen million euros, with potential add-ons pushing the total higher.

Wanner, who turns 20 in December, becomes the fifth attacking player to depart the Allianz Arena this window, following the likes of others who sought regular minutes elsewhere.

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder, hailed for his technical flair and likened by some to Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz, has endured a nomadic path in recent seasons.

Last term, Bayern loaned him to Bundesliga newcomers Heidenheim, where he impressed with 41 appearances, showcasing his ability to dictate play from wide areas or centrally. Before that, in the 2023/24 campaign, Wanner honed his skills on loan at SV Elversberg in the 2. Bundesliga, marking a steady climb through Germany's lower tiers.

Now, the Germany Under-21 international is set to test himself in the Dutch Eredivisie and the Champions League with PSV, who are chasing back-to-back titles under coach Peter Bosz. Wanner is expected to fly to the Netherlands tonight for a medical tomorrow, sealing his exit despite a current ligament injury in his left ankle that has sidelined him briefly.

Bayern have smartly inserted a buy-back clause, allowing them to potentially reclaim the talent if he flourishes abroad.

The move hasn't come without controversy, as Bayern's sporting director Max Eberl has publicly questioned Wanner's decision to leave. "It takes courage to stay and fight," Eberl has said, implying the youngster lacked the grit to battle for a spot in Vincent Kompany's star-studded squad.

"If it's not working out, we as a club have to say: 'OK, then we’ll let you go.'"

Earlier this summer, Wanner himself had emphasized his commitment to Bayern, stating: "My focus now is on Bayern, giving it my all every day in training and completing the preseason."

Yet, with limited first-team assurances, the switch to PSV offers him the platform to accelerate his development.

PSV, fresh off their dominant league triumph last season, are bolstering their ranks amid injuries, including to striker Moise Kean, and view Wanner as a versatile addition to their attacking arsenal.

For Bayern, this sale aligns with their strategy of nurturing academy gems while maintaining financial flexibility, even as fans debate whether letting go of such potential too soon could haunt them later.