Chris Richards is a promising young talent at Bayern Munich, but will now fight for playing time elsewhere in the Bundesliga.
Bayern Munich announced Monday that they’ve loaned Richards to Hoffenheim for the rest of the season. Richards, 20, has played in six matches for Bayern this season, while also making his UEFA Champions League debut. He has since been starting for Bayern II once again, playing in four matches to date.
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Just before the close of the current transfer window, #TSG Hoffenheim have signed Chris #Richards to cover the injury-ravaged defence. The 21-year-old central defender arrives in Kraichgau on loan until the end of the season from @FCBayernUS. pic.twitter.com/Zjmv9Njiy1
— TSG Hoffenheim EN (@tsghoffenheimEN) February 1, 2021
“Chris is a great talent,” FC Bayern board member for sport Hasan Salihamidžić said. “He was a top performer in central defence for our reserves in the third division and has gained experience with the first team, even in the Champions League. Together we decided Chris will use the months in Hoffenheim for the next stage of his development. We’re sure TSG will get a lot from him.”
The U.S. Men’s National Team defender made his Bundesliga debut last season for Bayern, but has recently remained with Bayern II this campaign. Richards played in 30 3. Liga matches last season, helping Bayern II win the division, despite not being allowed to be promoted.
A move to Hoffenheim allows Richards to fight for first team minutes in the final four months of the season. Hoffenheim is currently 10 points out from the final European qualification spot, totaling 22 points out of its opening 19 matches.
The club also fell 4-1 to Bayern Munich on Saturday and currently has five of its defenders sidelined with respective injuries.
The other day, before it was finalized, I thought this was a Win for all parties (Richards, Hoffenheim, Bayern & USMNT).
Hoffenheim – is currently dealing with injuries in their defense. They needed additional coverage and Chris has the ability to play across the D-Line.
Chris will now have a good opportunity to see consistent 1st team minutes @ Center Back. Should help his growth and give him more experience.
Bayern – Gets a young player competitive 1st team minutes with minimal risk. If the loan works well Chris comes back to Bayern as a more experienced player. If for some reason Bayern decides to move on from Chris, a strong loan gives others clubs real tape on him where it can increase the asking price.
USMNT – Gets another CB playing consistently in Europe, especially important if the MLS season is delayed. Gregg will still have Brooks, Richards, Miazga, EPB, & CCV heading into a packed International schedule.
This is a great move. I’d expect him to get lots of playing time here, which will speed him along in ways Bayern can’t really afford to do at the moment in their current competitions where dropped points could give Leipzig an open door. The team is strong enough that he’s not going to be under constant duress and needing to just focus on clearing lines, but will also have to keep his focus for 90min knowing that at least half the teams in the league are as good if not better than his. Overall a really good move and a real plus for the national team.
interesting that to them he’s a CB. as he was as a bayern youth/U20. i think when i watch these tepid back choices we’re missing something not trying him as a swiss army utility tool anywhere we have a need in the backline.
Totally agreed! Chris Richard was good enough to play at any positions along the back 4 for Bayern, at least in Hansi Flick’s eyes
It was more they didn’t have confidence in him at CB, so they got him some minutes at RB to get him through his nerves and to adjust to pace of play. You could play Paul Arriola at RB for Bayern and he’d look good. Hoffenheim have been playing 3 CBs and no WBs so we’ll see if he gets any chances as a FB.