Would you want Nico Williams at Bayern Munich?
Bayern leading on Williams? (Barca News Network)
Bayern Munich has been linked to Athletic Club winger Nico Williams off-and-on for just about nine months, but now things could be getting a little more serious.
So serious, in fact, that FC Barcelona and its fans might be sweating things:
Last year, the Blaugranes were very closely linked with the Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, but were ultimately unable to sign him because of their own financial problems and because the player also ended up declaring his intention to stay at his current club.
However, the Catalans continue to be linked with him and are reportedly interested in his signing for the next summer as well.
But seemingly, their desire to land the Spanish target has become even more difficult to realize as Fichajes reports the Bundesliga side Bayern Munich has already overtaken Barcelona in Nico’s pursuit.
The Bavarians have already started making moves to secure the Basque forward’s signing next summer, and they are looking to activate his €58 million release clause to ensure his acquisition as soon as possible. They want to have him available for Vincent Kompany to play from the next season but are looking to close a deal with him as soon as possible to prevent other sides from intensifying their efforts to sign him.
The Catalans were previously the most closely linked side with Nico, thus, Bayern’s rapid advance has been quite a surprise. But it is easy to understand why they want him in their team, as the Spaniard has showcased his speed, explosiveness, and vision beyond any doubt in the last few years, which make him one of the most promising forwards in Spain.
WIlliams has not exactly lit the world afire this season, but is still regarded as a good prospect with lots of potential. It still feels as if FC Barcelona will get his signature on the dotted line, but Bayern Munich might be able to tempt him a bit.
City needs big fee if it wants Camavinga (ESPN)
Manchester City has been scoping Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga for a while and now it might know how much it will have to pay to get him:
Manchester City will need to pay a fee of at least £70 million if they want to sign Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, according to Football Insider. Despite being only 22, Camavinga already has plenty of trophy-winning pedigree and experience at international level, winning two LaLiga titles and two Champions Leagues since moving to Madrid in 2021 and playing for France in the 2022 World Cup final. He would be an ideal signing for City as they look to overhaul their ageing squad, but Madrid would demand a big fee for a player who has a contract until 2029.
Bavarian Podcast Works — The Bundesliga Rundown with Marcus Iredahl: Matchday 26 (Bavarian Football Works)
Matchday 26 had it all—last-minute drama, shock results, and fan protests! In this episode, we dive into:
- Can Bayer Leverkusen finally dethrone Bayern Munich?
- FC Augsburg’s record-breaking defence
- Eintracht Frankfurt’s ultras and the 50-minute delay in Bochum
- …and much more!
Kane looking forward to Club World Cup (Ben Jacobs via @iMiaSanMia)
Harry Kane is eager to see how the new format of the Club World Cup works out.
”I think it’s going to be a great experience. We’re one of the best teams in the world. Every tournament we go into the idea is to win,” Kane said.
Multiple clubs checking in on De Jong (CaughtOffside)
Arsenal FC, Liverpool FC, Chelsea FC, and Manchester City are among the clubs keeping close tabs on FC Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong:
According to Caught Offside sources, Man United, along with Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City have been offered the chance to sign Barcelona midfielder De Jong.
The midfielder’s contract is set to expire in 2026 which has raised questions about his long term future at Hansi Flick’s side.
De Jong, who has made 29 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions this season, has been offered to Premier League clubs through intermediaries and English clubs have been informed of his availability. Barcelona are willing to listen to offers around €35-40 million for De Jong and the midfielder is open to leaving if he feels he is not valued at Barcelona.
Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show: Season 7, Episode 34 (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich sputtered into the international break with an unexpected 1-1 draw on the road with Union Berlin.
We’ll talk about that and some of the other burning issues going on with the Bavarians at the moment. This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show:
- Why did Bayern Munich look so unfocused and fall apart against Union Berlin? Let’s discuss.
- It’s not time to worry about Jonas Urbig.
- Why is Vincent Kompany still so reluctant to rotate?
- Leroy Sané’s last minute rush for a new contract is upon us.
- Eric Dier could get a new deal, but it still feels unlikely.
- Who from Bayern Munich is unsellable?
- Oh yeah, it’s a race again.
Griezmann still on radar of LAFC (ESPN)
The influx of stars to MLS is still in motion and LAFC could be looking to add yet another big name to its roster sheet — Atlético Madrid star Antoine Griezmann:
LAFC are tracking Atlético Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann, according to Relevo. It is reported that a meeting is set to take place as Atleti look for clarity on the 33-year-old’s future, amid belief that he wants to leave Europe to make the switch to MLS in the summer. Negotiations regarding Griezmann’s potential switch to the Black and Gold are believed to be at an advanced stage, in a deal that could see him join up with compatriots Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud. Meanwhile free agent midfielder Paul Pogba was also spotted in the stands as LAFC lost 1-0 to Austin FC on Saturday.
Gnabry still smarting from trophyless campaign (Bundesliga.com via @iMiaSanMia)
Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry is still unhappy about not winning a trophy last season and says that it added a layer of motivation for this campaign.
“For sure, it gives you an extra edge of motivation. I can’t deny that. I’ve also got to say it felt strange not winning something, since we got used to it so much. Which is a crazy thing to say, but that’s how it was. Of course, a lot of disappointment, but you take that little bit more of an edge for wanting to win again. Because it does feel good to win. At a club like Bayern Munich, you want to win, have to win, so that’s what we focus on,” said Gnabry.
Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show: Union Berlin 1-1 Bayern Munich (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich came away with a performance to forget in a 1-1 draw in the German capital against Union Berlin. The Bayern performance left more questions than answers; if Vincent Kompany can set his team up to play with fluency, why does Bayern consistently fail against low blocks? Bayern nonetheless created a nine point gap at the top and the Bundesliga title race seems all but mathematically decided:
- The lineups of both sides and what they looked like on the pitch.
- Some thoughts about Serge Gnabry’s starting role today.
- Some praise for Josip Stanišić.
- Why this draw resembled Bayern’s defeats against Aston Villa and Feyenoord.
- Should Kompany have made more changes in this game?
Kompany happy for Kimmich deal (@iMiaSanMia)
Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany was thrilled to see Joshua Kimmich sign a new deal last week.
“I’m always happy when it’s just about football. That discussion is now over and it’s now just about football. That’s the ideal situation. The important thing is what the players do in training, in the changing room and at the weekend. Jo has done very well. I’m pleased for Jo and the club,” said Kompany.
Dybala wants to stay with Roma (Calciomercato via ESPN)
Paulo Dybala wants to stay with AS Roma long-term:
– Roma forward Paulo Dybala is keen on extending his stay at the club, with his representatives now expecting talks to take place over a deal that would extend his stay by a further year.
Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show Season 4, Episode 34 (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich has one more game before it will hit an international break — and there is much to talk about, so let’s not waste any time.
This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:
- As a heads up, I was kidnapped for this episode or thrown down a well — my mic actually bit the dust right before recording, so a back-up was used (no fear, a new mic is on the way!).
- Rejoice! Joshua Kimmich as re-upped.
- What we are doing with talkSport.
- How are we feeling about Bayern Munich as the squad takes a break?
- Leon Goretzka just keeps going — and Vincent Kompany wants to keep him. Will the coach’s endorsement be enough?
- Leroy Sané has a very tough decision to make.
- A brief Entertainment Rundown where we focus on the first two episodes of Daredevil: Born Again.
