Daily Schmankerl: The aftermath of Bayern Munich vs. Mainz; Dean Huijsen could be hard to get for Bayern; Juventus eyeing Manchester United’s Rasmus Højlund; Bundesliga attacker dreaming of FC Barcelona transfer; and MORE!

Bayern Munich took down Mainz 05 with ease…

Die Folgen: Bayern’s 3-0 win over Mainz (Bavarian Football Works)

Bayern Munich looked like it was going to have a tough match against Mainz 05, but the Bavarians were just too much for the visitors.

At a time where Bayern Munich just simply needs to take care of business, the Bavarians are rolling through teams. Let’s dive into it. Here are some quick hitters on the match:

• As always, let’s begin with a look at the starting XI:

• The injury to Raphaël Guerreiro necessitated a few moves. First, Josip Stanišić needed to play left-back, which opened up room for banged up center-back Kim Min-jae to return to the starting XI. Otherwise, Aleksandar Pavlović got the nod in the central midfield, which was an astute move by Vincent Kompany. The youngster needs playing time and took advantage of the opportunity. Kompany also leaned on the trio of Michael Olise, Leroy Sane, and Serge Gnabry to run the attack with Harry Kane.
• Needless to say, Kompany’s selections worked out against a Mainz 05 side that has lot its midseason mojo.
• Bayern Munich was dominant from the outset. Mainz 05 still had its fighting spirit and worked like hell, but could not keep up with the Bayern Munich midfield and attack.
• In the 14th minute, Stanišić took a nice run at half volley, but sent it wide.
• Moreso than many matches of late, Bayern Munich really did seem to be playing with a purpose, and even though the Bavarians did not clinch the Meisterschale on Saturday, it is very clear that the championship mentality is there with this group.
• The 27th minute goal from Sané was the product of some great work by Gnabry, Laimer, and Sané himself. It was a perfectly placed shot for the winger, who reportedly agreed to a new three-year-contract.
• In the 40th minute, Olise continued his standout season as he ripped a low, bouncing shot that fooled Robin Zentner and gave Bayern Munich a 2-0 lead. Olise has established himself a “must start” player for Bayern Munich.
• Kane’s yellow card in added time of the first half was a gut punch. The Englishman could now miss being in the field for the clinching of his first trophy.
• Jonas Urbig was really solid again. It does look like Bayern Munich got its man (even if he physically profiles closer to Marc-André ter Stegen in height than Manuel Neuer).
• Sané’s chip in the 62nd banged off the post. That really would have been the icing on the cake for the winger.
• Leon Goretzka might have asked Péter Gulácsi who his doctor was (deep cut).
• Eric Dier’s 84th minute header from Michael Olise corner was authoritative and had to feel great for the center-back.
• Overall, Bayern Munich was dominant and did a terrific job of limiting Mainz 05’s chances. In a weird way, the Bavarians look more dangerous and lethal these days than they have in quite a long time. It is good to see now, but also for the future. Hopefully, the squad can continue this run of play, clinch the title, and end the season with everyone feeling positive.

If you missed our Initial Analysis, Match Awards, Observations, or Postgame Podcast, give them a look or a listen:

Huijsen might be most sought-after defender this summer (ESPN)

Bournemouth center-back Dean Huijsen could be the biggest defensive draw in the transfer market this summer:

Multiple clubs remain attentive to the situation of AFC Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, according to Fabrizio Romano on the Here We Go Podcast. A release clause in the 20-year-old’s contract allows him to be signed for £50m in the summer, and it is believed that as well as interest from rival Premier League clubs, Real Madrid are considering a move for him — though the LaLiga side’s decision hinges on whether they decide to sign a centre-back in the next transfer window or wait until next January. Huijsen made his 26th appearance of the Premier League campaign on Monday in the 1-0 win over Fulham.

Bayern, BVB, City, Porto vying for Barca midfielder (Mundo Deportivo via @iMiaSanMia)

Bayern Munich,Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, and Porto are all reportedly interested in FC Barcelona midfielder Guille Fernández:

Bayern, Dortmund, Manchester City and Porto are tracking Barcelona midfielder Guille Fernández (16). The player’s intention is to stay at Barcelona. He will complete pre-season there to try to convince Hansi Flick, but his future remains uncertain [@martinezferran]

Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show Season 4, Episode 40 (Bavarian Football Works)

It has been a wild week for Bayern Munich as the club prepares to try and capture the Meisterschale. That focus has not slowed down the news, however.

The Bavarians are embroiled in key contract talks, transfer rumors and even potential heat on the front office. Needless to say, there is much to talk about. Let’s dive into what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:

• Bayern Munich’s backline is on shaky ground at the moment — Dayot Upamecano’s contract talks have stalled, Kim Min-jae is on the hot seat, and rumors are indicating that the club could make a splurge play for Dean Huijsen.
• Everyone wants Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz — Bayern Munich now has to battle Manchester City, Real Madrid, Arsenal FC, and Liverpool FC for the Germany international.
• Kingsley Coman might be ready to move on as the Saudis could make him an offer he can’t refuse.
• A brief Entertainment Rundown.

Juve ramping up interested in Højlund? (ESPN)

Juventus could be ready to make a big move for Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund:

Juventus are interested in Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund, reports Calciomercato. It is said that the Bianconeri are studying a potential move for the 22-year-old Denmark international, with uncertainty growing over the future of Dusan Vlahovic, while they are yet to make a decision on whether to sign on-loan Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani permanently. Højlund, who is also on the radar of Napoli, has scored just three goals in 27 Premier League appearances so far this season.

Simons eyeing “dream” transfer to Barca? (90Min.com)

Bayern Munich might have one eye on Xavi Simons as a contingency plan in the event that it cannot land Florian Wirtz, but Simons could be looking at a move to FC Barcelona:

RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons is reported to be “dreaming” of a return to Barcelona this summer.

The Dutchman is a target for most of the Premier League’s elite, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United exploring a deal which could be worth around the £60m mark.

Asked about his future recently, Simons left the door open to an exit by admitting he had informed Leipzig of his “dreams”, confirming he will sit down with the club at the end of the season to evaluate his options.

Fabrizio Romano claims one of those goals for Simons is to finally play for Barcelona. The midfielder joined Barca’s famed academy at seven years of age and was viewed as arguably the best young player in the world during his time in La Masia.

Unfortunately for Barcelona, a dispute over a contract extension for a 16-year-old Simons saw him take his talents to Paris Saint-Germain in 2019, with the La Liga giants believed to have pocketed just €130,000 for his development rights.

Kane picks 5-a-side squad (DAZN via @iMiaSanMia)

Bayern Munich star Harry Kane recently took some tome to name his ultimate “5-a-side” squad:

Harry Kane picks his all-time dream five-a-side team

• Neuer

• Beckenbauer

• Zidane

• Messi

• Ronaldo

This post was originally published on this site