Bayern Munich is closing in on the Bundesliga title…
Wirtz has preference for Real City, but dad keeping Bayern in the race (Sport Bild’s Christian Falk via @iMiaSanMia)
It has been rumored that Bayern munich is as low as No. 3 on the pecking order for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.
As it runs out, that might be true.
If not for Wirtz’s father, Hans, Bayern Munich might not be in the race at all:
Florian Wirtz’s strong connection with Jamal Musiala and the fact Wirtz’s father/agent prefers a move to Munich are the reason Bayern are still in the race for the player. Otherwise, Wirtz’s personal preference is to join Real Madrid or Manchester City because he sees it as a bigger move. As things stand, the most concrete talks of Wirtz’s camp are still with Bayern.
This is very concerning on a number of levels — not the least of which is the thought of wrapping a player up for four or five years, who might not be bought into the project.
Of course, this could be a red herring or it could just be posturing for the negotiating table, but Wirtz is really the one who can break up the monotony of Bayern Munich’s attack. If he is not “all in”, though, it could make such a massive investment very risky.
Vinicius heading to Saudi Arabia? (ESPN)
Rumors are still swirling that Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr. could consider a move to Saudi Arabia:
Clubs in the Saudi Pro League believe a move for Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior is still possible this summer, reports Sky Sports Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg. Negotiations over a deal for the 24-year-old are said to have been ongoing between senior officials in Saudi Arabia and, with Los Blancos aware of interest, they are reportedly eyeing Manchester City striker Erling Haaland as a replacement, in a transfer that would see forward Kylian Mbappé move to the left-flank from his current central role. Haaland signed a record-breaking 9½-year contract with Manchester City in February, although it is unknown if the deal includes a get-out clause if the Premier League giants are found guilty of 115 charges for financial breaches.
It has not exactly been a banner campaign by Real Madrid standards, but an overhaul of its young talent still seems like a stretch at this point (even if some of said talent does not fit together all that well).
Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show: Season 7, Episode 40 (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich took down Mainz 05 this weekend with a superior effort.
That did not exactly shakeup the Bundesliga landscape, but there is a lot of movement and we will dive headfirst into that. In addition, we’ve got some contract news to talk about and maybe even a little talk about Hansi Flick as well. Let’s not wait any longer, this is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show:
- Final thoughts on Bayern Munich 3-0 win over Mainz 05.
- A breakdown of the Bundesliga hunt for Europe and the relegation battle.
- Is bringing back Leroy Sané the right move or does Bayern Munich need to shake things up?
- Hansi Flick is killing it at FC Barcelona.
- Did signing Tom Bischof undermine the work being done at Bayern Munich’s Academy?
Be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Check us out on Patreon and follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @BavarianPodcast @TheBarrelBlog, @IredahlMarcus, @2012nonexistent, @TommyAdams71 and more.
Fulham looks back in on Palhinha (Sport Bild’s Christian Falk via @iMiaSanMia)
Rumors started to swirl last week that Fulham FC wanted to bring back seldom used Bayern Munich midfielder João Palhinha:
Fulham are showing the most concrete interest in re-signing João Palhinha, but won’t pay the same price that Bayern did in 2024. Bayern could be okay to get a lower fee (€35-40m) and the added benefit of taking him off the wage bill. If Palhinha leaves, they’ll have a bit more space for midfield signings.
Chelsea, LFC leading on Huijsen? (ESPN)
Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC could be the top two contenders for Bournemouth center-back at this point:
Chelsea and Liverpool will both make offers for AFC Bournemouth central defender Dean Huijsen this summer, according to The Independent. However, Real Madrid remain a clear transfer market threat with the Spain international’s release clause of £50m making him attractive to all major clubs. The 19-year-old could one of a number of Bournemouth stars who are the subject of transfer offers at the end of the season, the report adds.
Huijsen, of course, is rumored to be a prime target for Bayern Munich this summer.
Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show: Bayern Munich 3-0 Mainz (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich came away with a strong performance in a 3-0 win over Mainz which takes them a step closer to the Bundesliga title. Bayern maintained an eight point gap at the top as Bayer Leverkusen won 2-0 on the day against Augsburg. The Bundesliga title race seems all but mathematically decided. In this episode, Swaz and Samrin covered the following:
- The lineups of both sides and what they looked like on the pitch
- Some thoughts about Michael Olise and Leroy Sané
- Some praise for Josip Stanišić and Konrad Laimer
- Can Bayern seal the deal against RB Leipzig next week?
- Will the top brass be satisfied with Vincent Kompany after this season?
- Might Thomas Müller ever start a game for Bayern Munich again?
- Who will take third and fourth place? Who will get relegated and who will play in the relegation playoff?
Leverkusen also eyeing Henrique (ESPN)
Bayer Leverkusen is also in the mix for rumored Bayern Munich transfer target Luis Henrique:
A number of teams are looking at Marseille winger Luis Henrique, reports Foot Mercato. Bayern Munich, Internazionale and Bayer Leverkusen are all keeping close tabs on the 23-year-old, but there is also interest from the Premier League in Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest. It is expected that an offer worth in excess of €30m will be required to sign him, with the Nerazzurri preparing to make the first approach.
Kane talks life in Munich (Soccer Bible via @iMiaSanMia)
Harry Kane’s life changed when he decided to make the move to Bayern Munich. Recently, the Englishman took some time to talk it over.
“Moving to Munich has been great. It’s different from living in London, but the people here have been so welcoming. There’s a lot of outdoor living, which has been amazing for my family. It’s been a positive move, and we’re really happy here,” said Kane.
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.
Inter to make play for Tah (ESPN)
Inter Milan could be looking to make a play for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah and thwart his rumored transfer to FC Barcelona:
Internazionale have made enquiries about Bayer Leverkusen center-back Jonathan Tah with his contract expiring in the summer, says Calciomercato, although the outlet adds that other options are being considered. Inter are also interested in Lazio defender Mario Gila but their rocky relationship with Biancocelesti president Claudio Lotito makes a deal unlikely, while Bologna pair Sam Beukema and Jhon Lucumi are also being considered.
Gündoğan has no plans to leave City (@Plettigoal)
Manchester City midfielder İlkay Gündoğan might want to stay at the club or he could just call it a career despite having interest from other clubs:
Ilkay #Gündogan currently has no plans to end his career or leave this summer. His intention is to stay at Manchester City and fulfil his contract, which runs until 2026. #MCFC
However, he has received numerous lucrative and interesting enquiries.
