Charlton Athletic defender Patrick Bauer, according to the Lancashire Telegraph, is a man in demand. Several Championship teams are reportedly chasing the out of contract Addicks man, whilst Hibs and Rangers are also reportedly keen on him.
The centre-half scored the winner in Charlton’s dramatic League One play-off final victory against Sunderland. Having played 40 times last year, and to great effect, the Valley side are obviously desperate to keep him.
Bauer has been brilliant for Charlton. (Photo by Mark Fletcher/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Bauer is a good defender, but Hibs’ interest doesn’t seem to make sense. Sure he’s a great defender, but does Paul Heckingbottom really need the German centre-back?
Bauer would be good but Hibs don’t urgently need a defender
Hibs obviously wouldn’t be able to offer as much money as some of the sides credited with interest would be able to. The biggest lure they have for tempting Bauer to Leith is regular first team minutes.
Even that promise though wouldn’t be realistic. The Hibees need bodies in the door this season in many areas. One of them probabaly isn’t in the central defence department.
Bauer is good, but he isn’t desperately needed. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
After the arrival of Adam Jackson, Easter Road is home to four good centre-backs. Paul Hanlon, Darren McGregor, Ryan Porteous and Jackson are all good enough to be regular first team picks.
Obviously strength in depth is brilliant, but I can’t see how Bauer fits into this side. Hanlon and McGregor will likely be around for another couple of years yet, whilst Porteous is a massive prospect. Jackson is also a reliable player who offers great cover at Easter Road.
When budgets are already tight, do they need a fifth defender in that department? Probably not. The club should take the money that would be used for Bauer and put it towards a position they really need, like a striker.
Hibs already have four strong central defensive options. (photo by Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images)
The German would be a great defender at Easter Road no doubt, but Hibs already have plenty of options in that area. Without the lure of guaranteed first team football, Bauer is unlikely to want to come and play in Leith.