Daily Schmankerl: More “when” than “if” for Bayern Munich, Florian Wirtz; Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid move is inevitable; Inter Milan to get Bayern transfer target?; Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne offers self to surprise team; and MORE!

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Florian Wirtz and Bayern Munich looks like a good match….

More “when” than “if” for Wirtz move to Bayern (Sport1’s Stefan Kumberger via @iMiaSanMia)

Bayern Munich and Florian Wirtz appear to be headed toward an agreement, though the timing is up for debate.

Some reports indicate that the move could be consummated this summer, while others say it might be more feasible — and affordable — in 2026. Regardless, things seem like more of a “when” than an “if” for this move happening:

Florian Wirtz’s proposed move to FC Bayern looks to no longer be a question of “if,” but rather “when”. The Bayer Group has already given CEO Fernando Carro the green light to sell Wirtz this summer. Their clear objective is to get around €150m for the player. Bayern are aware of Leverkusen’s demands. At the moment, Bayern bosses are not prepared to pay the full €150m – but it’s not completely unthinkable. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is involved as a mediator with Leverkusen, also because of the strained relationship between Max Eberl and Fernando Carro.

Bayer Leverkusen is going to make this transfer hell — it is inevitable. Hopefully Bayer Leverkusen comes to its senses and gets the deal done this summer as Wirtz’s value will just continue to drop with the closer he gets to the end of his deal in 2027.

Alonso gets “Here we go” treatment (@FabrizioRomano)

As expected, former Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso looks set to take over for Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid:

Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, here we go! Story confirmed and deal sealed for Xabi as new manager until 2028.

Staff sorted, contract in place and three year deal for Alonso with Real planning for him to start at FIFA Club World Cup.

Ancelotti farewell soon, then Xabi era. ️

⚪️ Real Madrid have always planned for Xabi Alonso to be their manager at the Club World Cup… and they also want Trent Alexander-Arnold to be there.

Xabi will start new chapter at Madrid with Club World Cup, as reported — he’s ready to start working immediately.

Alonso will have a different kind of challenge with Real Madrid than he did with Bayer Leverkusen. The egos at Real will be off the charts and the player management will be an entirely different ballgame. Surely, Alonso has the tactical chops to succeed, but his man-management and locker room management skills will be put to the test.

Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show: Season 7, Episode 42 (Bavarian Football Works)

Bayern Munich hearts and souls were filled with joy and tears simultaneously as Thomas Müller bid adieu to the Bayern faithful at the Allianz Arena. While Bayern has very little to play for in their final game, there are critical season-defining fixtures for Hoffenheim, Eintracht Frankfurt, SC Freiburg, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Mainz coming up. This is what we have for this episode:

  • Final thoughts on Thomas Müller’s “testimonial” against Borussia Mönchengladbach
  • A nod to Manuel Neuer who had a fantastic game against Gladbach
  • The ongoing negotiations concerning Leroy Sané and Dayot Upamecano
  • After Xabi Alonso’s announced departure, we discuss what constitutes longevity for a Bundesliga coach
  • Samrin gets carried away with different permutations about how the third, fourth and fifth placed teams might end up in either the UEFA Champions League or the Europa League!
  • Samrin also gets carried away with different permutations for second and third spots in the 2.Bundesliga!

Inter pushing for Henrique move (@FabrizioRomano)

Luis Henrique was linked to Bayern Munich, but now, Inter Milan appears to be the frontrunner for the winger:

⚫️ Inter are planning to continue talks with OM for Luis Henrique in the next days after personal terms agreed with the Brazilian. Inter want final answer ahead of FIFA Club World Cup.

Luis Henrique already said yes to Inter project, up to the clubs; more talks to follow.

Olise recognized for Gladbach effort (kicker via @iMiaSanMia)

German outlet kicker recognized Michael Olise for his performance vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach:

Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show: Bayern Munich 2-0 Gladbach (Bavarian Football Works)

Bayern Munich hosted Borussia Mönchengladbach in Thomas Müller’s final home game at the Allianz Arena and it was an atmosphere to behold.

The Bavarians would win 2-0 giving their living legend a proper send off, but it was a complete team effort that saw terrific performances from just about everyone on the pitch.

Let’s talk about all of that and more on the Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show. This is what we have on tap:

  • A look at the starting XI.
  • How impressive was the job that the fans — and the club — did in sending off Müller properly?
  • A rundown of the scoring and substitutions.
  • Some final thoughts and takeaways on the match.

Watzke talks BVB’s future, direction (Guardian via @iMiaSanMia)

Borussia Dortmund board member Hans-Joachim Watzke recently spoke about selling key players over the years.

“Everyone knows the players we develop can compete at the highest level. But it’s not our philosophy. We don’t say: we want to develop a player and then sell him. We want to be successful. I would prefer it if we had the financial strength of Bayern Munich and could say no,” Watzke said. “I’m annoyed we’ve lost the position of the second power in German football to Bayer Leverkusen, which we’ve always been able to claim for ourselves for 15 years.”

De Bruyne pitches move to Madrid (Defensa Central via 90Min.com)

This seems doubtful, but Kevin De Bruyne has reportedly offered himself to Real Madrid:

Kevin De Bruyne has offered himself to Real Madrid as he prepares to leave Man City. The midfielder is prepared to slash his wage demands in half to complete a deal, but the La Liga side want a younger signing. Incoming manager Xabi Alonso wants to recruit Pedri from Barcelona.

Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show Season 4, Episode 42 (Bavarian Football Works)

Bayern Munich — Let’s talk about everything going on with the squad on this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:

  • Paris Saint-Germain vs. Inter Milan in the Champions League final? Who’d have thunk it?
  • Final thoughts ahead of Bayern Munich vs. Gladbach.
  • Checking in on Bayern Munich’s pursuit of Florian Wirtz and what the player had to tell Sports Illustrated Germany.
  • It sure sounds like Leroy Sané is headed to the Premier League.
  • What did we learn about the Bundesliga this season? Is Bayern Munich headed back to “Juggernaut Mode”? How far will Bayer Leverkusen fall? Is Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig’s method of business sustainable? Can Niko Kovač stay hot as coach of Borussia Dortmund?

Gnabry details favorite Bayern kit (Bundesliga.com via @iMiaSanMia)

Noted fashionista Serge Gnabry recently spoke about his favorite Bayern Munich kits.

“I don’t remember which season it was, but the silver-blue-red. 2000? 1999? I don’t know… And the one we played a couple of years ago with Pharrell Williams, with the blue stripes here. Again, I can’t remember which season that was. But those are my two favourite jerseys. And for sure, I like to feel good when I play, so the jersey or the whole outfit is kind of a big thing to me. I enjoy it. It’s cool seeing people wearing jerseys. Not just on the pitch but also as a fashion piece, as going out, because it’s cool,” said Gnabry.

Rodrygo’s reps shopping him (TBR Football via ESPN)

The agents for Real Madrid star Rodrygo are offering him to other clubs, including Arsenal FC, Liverpool FC, and Manchester City:

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo’s representatives have been contacted by Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City over the possibility of a summer transfer.

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