Bayern Munich is back at it…
Wirtz staying put? (kicker)
Well, this would change some plans for Bayern Munich this summer. Per kicker, Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz could be getting close to signing a contract extension with Die Werkself:
Contract talks between Florian Wirtz and Bayer 04 began at least half a year ago. However, the game has long since stopped. The framework for an extension is in place. However, the star’s approval is still missing.
Along with the still-unanswered question about the future of coach Xabi Alonso, this is the hottest topic currently occupying club officials and fans of Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Will the German double winner be able to continue to enjoy the footballing skills of exceptional player Florian Wirtz next season ? Or will the Werkself have to sell Germany’s best footballer this summer because his contract expires in June 2027?
After all, with a transfer value of well over 100 million euros, it is considered far too risky to keep the playmaker with the current contract term until the summer of 2026. Bayer would then no longer have a strong position in the transfer poker and would no longer have all the reins firmly in hand.
The player’s side doesn’t see the (personal) development of the still only 21-year-old as complete. At Leverkusen, he could further mature in a leadership position and further develop his leadership qualities. This wouldn’t necessarily be the case with a move to one of Europe’s top clubs.
In addition, the prospect of preparing for his first World Cup participation in 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico in a familiar and at the same time top-class sporting environment and thus completely suitable without any disruptive factors is a pro argument for staying at Bayer.
Interestingly, kicker also notes that Wirtz’s decision is independent of what happens with coach Xabi Alonso, who has been rumored to a move this summer as well.
As for Wirtz, this could not only change Bayern Munich’s plans for the summer, but for the future as well. Whatever Bayern Munich spends this summer on other players could affect its ability to make a play for Wirtz in 2026 — when the club could also be looking to sign a high-priced striker.
United monitoring Nmecha, but not all-in on midfielder (@Plettigoal)
Manchester United is keeping an eye on Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, but his price tag and roster crowding concerns could prevent a move from happening:
Manchester United are closely monitoring the situation of Felix #Nmecha, as per BILD and confirmed. @berger_pj
However, there are currently no concrete talks or negotiations with either the player or Borussia Dortmund.
One reason is that #MUFC still have an excess of players in his position. Dortmund are demanding at least €50 million in the summer. His contract runs until 2028.
This is what Sky Sport’s Patrick Berger initially said:
Manchester United are interested in Felix Nmecha (24/ ) and have him on their shortlist, as Bild reported – confirmed! Jason Wilcox, the technical director of #MUFC, knows him well from his time as Manchester City’s academy chief.
However, there has been no contact yet. Borussia Dortmund do not want to sell Nmecha, but if they fail to qualify for a European competition, they may be forced to. Price valuation: €50m+. #BVB ⚫️
ManUnited have a packed midfield with Mainoo, Casemiro, Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes … But if a player leaves, Nmecha could become a serious option for @ManUtd.. Casemiro is among those who could be on the move.
Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show: Season 7, Episode 35 (Bavarian Football Works)
The German national team took center stage over the past two weeks, so we will focus on that, but we will transition back to Bayern Munich and how the Bavarians are dealing with injuries and a key stretch to the season.
This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show:
- Unpacking where Germany stands after advancing to the UEFA Nations League semifinals.
- Is the Midas touch wearing off for Julian Nagelsmann with Germany?
- Joshua Kimmich is embracing the challenge of everything it means to be a leader.
- Depth and talent are issues with the Germans.
- The latest report from kicker indicates that Florian Wirtz will extend his contract with Bayer Leverkusen — and why this is an issue for Bayern Munich.
- How ready is Bayern Munich for Inter Milan?
Kovář out at Leverkusen? (Kölner Stadt Anzeige via Get German Football News)
According to a report from Kölner Stadt Anzeige (via GGFN), Matěj Kovář will be allowed to leave Bayer Leverkusen this season:
Kölner Stadt Anzeiger reports that Bayer Leverkusen’s number two Matěj Kovář will be allowed to leave the club in the summer.
Since joining in the summer of 2023, Kovář has failed to explain why he should replace Lukas Hradecky as number one going forward with his performances. Last season he was predominantly used as a cup goalkeeper, but this season has also been used in the league but failed to perform.
Leverkusen have decided that Kovář will be allowed to leave in the summer, and the search for a replacement has already begun. Manchester United have a buy-back option on the Czechia international, but it is unlikely to be activated.
The report also stated that Leverkusen has several replacements in mind — including Manchester City’s Stefan Ortega:
Manchester City’s second-choice goalkeeper Stefan Ortega is an option as he wishes to play more regularly. As is Napoli’s Alex Meret who can potentially join on a free transfer. If Leverkusen are to take a chance on youth, then SC Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu is also reportedly on Leverkusen’s list. Previous names also mentioned are Espanyol’s Joan Garcia and Karlsruher SC Max Weiß.
Akçiçek on Bayern’s radar (Milliyet via @iMiaSanMia)
As has been rumored, Bayern Munich is scouting Fenerbahçe center-back Yusuf Akçiçek:
Bayern’s scouting coordinator Gürkan Karahan was at the Ülker Stadium in Istanbul last Sunday with his team of scouts to take a closer look at Fenerbahçe center-back Yusuf Akçiçek (19). Bayern will continue to follow the Turkish international in the coming months with a view to a potential bid in the summer. Fenerbahçe are unwilling to sell Akçiçek unless they receive an ‘astronomical offer.’
Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show: Germany 3(5)-3(4) Italy (Bavarian Football Works)
Former Bayern Munich manager and current Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann led his team to a victory over Italy in the UEFA Nations League. In this episode, we discuss the following:
- The lineup and the changes Julian Nagelsmann made from the first leg
- Some mouthwatering combinations across the pitch in Florian Wirtz’s absence, including between Joshua Kimmich and the rest of the team
- Appreciation for Tim Kleindienst
- Appreciation for combinations created in Bayern Munich
- Should Germany believe they can win the UEFA Nations League?
- Questions for Germany ahead of their semifinal against Portugal
- Thoughts on other UEFA Nations League games including one with a distinctly Bayern Munich flavor (heartbreak for one Bayern player and boundless joy for another)
- The importance of Karim Adeyemi
LigaMX club barred from Club World Cup (ESPN)
The hits keep on coming for former Bayern Munich attacking midfielder James Rodriguez. His latest club, León, has been booted from the Club World Cup:
FIFA announced on Friday that León will be barred from participating in this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States. The global soccer governing body indicated that the Esmeraldas and fellow Liga MX outfit Pachuca “fail to meet the criteria regarding ownership of multiple clubs,” leading to the decision to withdraw León from the tournament.
According to the competition’s regulations, made public in 2024, clubs owned by the same legal entity cannot participate. “No individual or legal entity may control or exert influence over more than one club participating in the competition,” reads Article 10 in the regulations. Both León and Pachuca belong to the same group.
FIFA initiated an investigation in November 2024 through an independent committee, allowing representatives from León and Pachuca the opportunity to demonstrate that they operate as two independent teams.
Check out the full story here to get the total rundown on what is going on.
Gavi only wants Barca (Mundo Deportivo via ESPN)
Some clubs might have interest in FC Barcelona’s Gavi, but he does not have interest in them:
Barcelona midfielder Gavi says he wants to stay at the club. “These rumors [about him wanting to leave] are false,” he said. “I signed a five-year contract. Barca are the club of my life, and I will stay here as long as I can. Not everything people say is true.”
Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show Season 4, Episode 35 (Bavarian Football Works)
The international break afford us the opportunity to take some time and think all things Bayern Munich — and maybe even take a deep dive back into some things from the past.
It was two years ago this week that Bayern Munich sacked Julian Nagelsmann. Let’s talk about the whens, the hows, and the whys of the situation once more and also how things have changed for everyone since that point. This is the full gamut of what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:
- Reflecting back on March 23rd, 2023 — The day that Bayern Munich fired Nagelsmann. The shock of it all. Why it happened? How that changed the future?
- Catching up on the latest news on some players, who Bayern Munich has been linked to — Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, and Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen. Don’t be shocked, though, if Max Eberl goes off the grid on a pursuit or two.
- A listener Q&A segment, including a question on beer, squad planning, and which Bayern Munich jerseys BFW staffers own.
- A brief Entertainment Rundown.
Kimmich, Olise, Upamecano recognized for efforts (@WhoScored)
Bayern Munich stars Joshua Kimmich, Dayot Upamecano, and Michael Olise were all named to WhoScored.com’s UEFA Nations League Quarterfinals Team of the Week:
#NationsLeague Quarter-Finals Team of the Week pic.twitter.com/0ZzPs29Cjr
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) March 24, 2025
City still watching Hernández (Caught Offside via ESPN)
Manchester City could still make a move for AC Milan’s Theo Hernández:
Manchester City are tracking 27-year-old AC Milan left-back Theo Hernandez, who won’t sign a new contract.
