Bayern Munich might have already moved on from Florian Wirtz…
Up next? Bayern eyeing Leão (@Plettigoal)
According to Sky Sport journalist Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich is eyeing AC Milan attacker Rafael Leão:
EXCL | FC Bayern are currently also looking closely at Rafael #Leao!
Top agent Jorge Mendes and Max Eberl have a good relationship, and there has been contact and talks regarding Leão.
Bayern are in search of a high-profile signing for the left wing: Kaoru #Mitoma is among the top candidates, with Leão currently following behind. He is under contract at AC Milan until 2028.
Mitoma, Leão or another winger? Bayern are currently assessing several profiles.
Real Madrid has Stiller on its list (ESPN)
Former Bayern Munich midfielder and current VfB Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller could become a prime target for Real Madrid if Los Blancos cannot land Manchester City star Rodri:
Real Madrid are looking for a replacement for Luka Modric, who announced he would be leaving in the summer, and have targeted Man City’s Rodri, says AS. The Ballon d’Or winner missed most of the season with an ACL injury is now fit again and could play at the Club World Cup next month. Rodri, 28, has a contract until 2027 and City wouldn’t let him go for anything under €100m. Though Madrid have also been linked with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández and Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller.
Bavarian Podcast Works — Reaction Show: Bayern Munich was bested by Liverpool for Florian Wirtz…now what? (Bavarian Football Works)
Well, it’s over.
Bayern Munich lost out to Liverpool FC in the race for Florian Wirtz.
It was a choke job of epic proportions, which we have not seen the likes of since the tortoise and the hare. Instead of integrating one of Germany’s best players, Bayern Munich will slide down a level of player to try and find a player or two who can inject some life into the attack without disrupting the good things that Bayern Munich already has going.
So…let’s talk about what happened, what went wrong, why Wirtz ultimately chose Liverpool and where Bayern Munich might go from here. It could be a cruel summer…
Kane talks Ballon d’Or dreams (L’Equipe via @iMiaSanMia)
Bayern Munich star Harry Kane recently spoke about the chance of him potentially winning the Ballon d’Or at some point:
Does that mean you’re thinking about the Ballon d’Or?
Kane: “Of course I’m thinking about it! And, why not say, I believe in it. I feel like my performances make me a credible candidate. I’m continuing to progress, I’m playing in teams, whether Bayern or England, that are natural contenders for big titles. So, with my individual performances and a major team trophy like the Champions League, why couldn’t I believe in my chances? I’ve dreamed of the Ballon d’Or since I was a kid, and even more so with the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo era that has given an even bigger prestige to this award. Who knows if in 2025 we won’t see each other again for another interview? [laughs]”
Gunners torn between Šeško, Gyökeres? Maybe not (ESPN)
Arsenal FC seemed to be stuck between two guys (always an awkward spot) — RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško and Sporting CP star Viktor Gyökeres:
Arsenal are torn between their two striker options this summer, says The Athletic. The Gunners have been tracking RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško and Sporting CP star Viktor Gyökeres but are unsure who to pursue as their preferred target. Sesko has 21 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions, while Gyökeres managed 53 in 51, and both strikers would be allowed to leave for around €70m. Sesko is five years younger than Gyökeres though, which may tip the balance.
Arsenal has the funds to get either player and now it comes down to preference. While Gyökeres has the numbers advantage, Šeško is younger and — arguably — has the higher ceiling.
As it turns out, the Gunners have made their call — and it is Šeško, per Sky Sport journalist Florian Plettenberg:
⚪️ EXCL | Arsenal are now in concrete talks with RB Leipzig regarding Benjamin #Sesko!
Marcel Schäfer and Andrea Berta are in contact. While Arsenal are also monitoring other strikers such as Viktor Gyökeres, their pursuit of Sesko is serious. Mikel Arteta is a big admirer of the 21 y/o forward from RB Leipzig.
His release clause for the summer stands at €80 million. Deal on.
Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show Season 4, Episode 44 (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich is headed to the club World Cup, the German national team is preparing for the UEFA Nations League, and the summer transfer window is barreling down on us at a high rate of speed.
Simply put, there is no shortage of topics for us to discuss on this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:
- It seems like it is becoming a standard segment of the show, but let’s talk about the latest news on Florian Wirtz.
- Which is the bigger move — Wirtz or Jonathan Tah?
- The Weekend Warm-up’s Bundesliga Team of the Season — how many Bayern Munich players got this prestigious nod?
- Bayern Munich’s loanees had mixed results this season. Let’s talk about how some of the club’s top prospects fared, along with a focus on what might be going on with Paul Wanner.
- Is another Angelo Stiller about to be created?
Chicago vs. Napoli for De Bruyne (BBC via ESPN)
As Kevin De Bruyne exits Manchester City, his choices for a new club might be between Napoli and the Chicago Fire:
Kevin De Bruyne, 33, has a straight choice to make between joining MLS side Chicago Fire or Serie A giants Napoli once his contract at Manchester City expires this summer.
San Diego was initially in the mix, but that destination appears to be off the table for De Bruyne.
Hoeneß says only an “emergency” would warrant sale of shares (kicker via @iMiaSanMia)
Bayern Munich legend Uli Hoeneß said it would take an “emergency” for the club to sell shares.
“Selling more shares should only be an emergency. As we know, we have 70+1, not 50+1. If we wanted to change that, we would need a three-quarters majority of the members [to agree],” Hoeneß said.
Bavarian Podcast Works — Special Edition: Breaking down Germany’s call-ups for the UEFA Nations League Final Four (Bavarian Football Works)
Julian Nagelsmann and the DFB just dropped the 26-man roster for the UEFA Nations League Final Four. With a baffling number of injuries plaguing the squad, Nagelsmann will lean on some familiar names as well as some fresh faces to take on Portugal in the hopes of reaching the Final in Munich.
With Kai Havertz, Nico Schlotterbeck, Antonio Rüdiger, Jamal Musiala, and more still injured, Nagelsmann will need to be creative to get the most out of this tournament. Among the callups is newcomer Nick Woltemade, who is having a breakthrough season at VfB Stuttgart.
Robin Gosens and Niclas Füllkrug return to the national team to provide some veteran experience and round out the squad. Despite the injuries, does Germany have enough to win their first title since the Confederations Cup in 2017? While this might not be the Euros, a successful tournament would be a massive indicator heading into the 2026 World Cup.
Leverkusen to make goalkeeper move? (ESPN)
Bayer Leverkusen could be kicking the tires on Chelsea FC goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga:
Bayer Leverkusen could make a move for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga following his impressive loan spell at AFC Bournemouth, according to talkSPORT. Arrizabalaga joined Chelsea from Athletic Club in 2018 for €80m, then a world-record fee for a goalkeeper. However, after two seasons he lost his spot as No. 1 at Stamford Bridge to Édouard Mendy. The 30-year-old has since restored his career through loan spells at Real Madrid and Bournemouth, and now last season’s Bundesliga champions Leverkusen see him as the long-term successor to 35-year-old Lukas Hradecky.
Musiala talks through dealing with pressure (Redaktions Netzwerk Deutschland via @iMiaSanMia)
Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala talked through how he deals with pressure:
Musiala on whether the pressure of being a key player for Bayern and Germany is a burden for him: “It can be. But I have good players and coaches around me who make everything easier for me. I can be myself, I don’t have to think too much. It is every footballer’s goal to have an important role. I’m happy where I am.”
”I try to exude a lot of self-confidence – no matter what the situation. That doesn’t change even if some actions didn’t work out beforehand. Going in with a clear head is the key to my best performance. Even if things aren’t going well for the team, I want to show that I’m there when I’m needed. I don’t always need the most difficult ball. Most of the time it’s the simple ball that I want to use to turn the game around.”
“I grew up like that and learned to play with a clear head when I was younger. Before the game there’s time to think and feel excited. In the days and hours before kick-off I’m preoccupied with everything that could, should, and must happen. On the pitch I switch that off. And after the game I can look back and see which actions were good and which were not so good.”
Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show: Season 7, Episode 44 (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich is readying for a busy offseason, the German national team is preparing for the UEFA Nations League Final Four, and there is a lot of news dropping by the hour.
We’ll hit on some of the biggest stories out there and attempt to keep pace with the rapid flow of news and information. Let’s get to it — this is what we have on tap for the Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show:
- Jamal Musiala is out for the UEFA Nations League per Bayern Munich’s request. How much does that hurt Germany?
- What will Germany’s roster look like?
- Is Liverpool FC really a serious contender for Florian Wirtz?
- Why Bayern Munich cannot afford to wait until 2026 to get Wirtz.
- Leroy Sané is still in limbo and everyone seems fine with it.
Lahm touts Kimmich for captain (@KilianKreit via @iMiaSanMia)
Bayern Munich and Germany great Philipp Lahm recently touted Joshua Kimmich as the team’s future captain.
“He has been at the club long enough, he plays regularly and is therefore an important player. It’s actually logical to appoint him as captain. Of course, he must extend his contract first and then the coach will decide,” Lahm said. “Joshua was still relatively young [when I played with him]. Pep Guardiola worked with him a lot back then. He learned a lot from that. Of course, it also depends on how long Manuel plays for.”
Rashford still a chance with Barca? (ESPN)
With Raphinha’s contract extension in place, it might be be hard for FC Barcelona to bring in Marcus Rashford, but there are still some talks going on apparently:
Talks are ongoing between Barcelona and the representatives of Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, reports Mundo Deportivo. The 27-year-old, who is currently on loan at Aston Villa, is looking to push forward with a switch to the Camp Nou, and negotiations are reportedly surrounding a potential loan deal that would include a clause for the move to become permanent. Previous reports have indicated that the Red Devils would be willing to accept an offer of £40 million to let him leave Old Trafford. Rashford earns around £315,000 per week which Barca cannot afford, and the striker is ready to come to an arrangement.
Bavarian Podcast Works — The Bundesliga Rundown with Marcus Iredahl: Matchday 34 (Bavarian Football Works)
The final episode of The Bundesliga Rundown – for this season!
Marcus wraps up the campaign by going team by team – yes, all of them – to break down what went right, what went wrong, and what’s next for each club.
In this episode, we dive into:
- Bayern Munich’s solid first year under Vincent Kompany
- Bayer Leverkusen’s worrying late-season dip
- RB Leipzig: “They are not serious people!”
- Growing doubts about Gerardo Seoane at Borussia Mönchengladbach
- Why it’s great news that St. Pauli are staying up
- FC Hollywood? Forget it – the real drama is in Dortmund, the most entertaining club in the league
- …and so much more.
Nkunku definitely out at Chelsea per Romano (@FabrizioRomano)
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has Chelsea FC’s Christopher Nkunku pegged for a move:
Christopher Nkunku’s exit from Chelsea remains guaranteed ahead of the summer transfer window.
Contacts are due to start soon with Nkunku attracting interest already since January. pic.twitter.com/b7X0WJUToe
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 23, 2025
Per TEAMtalk, Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Newcastle United are all interested in Nkunku:
Juventus have contacted Chelsea over signing Christopher Nkunku, TEAMtalk understands, as the forward’s price tag and another Premier League club’s interest in him are revealed.
TEAMtalk understands that Juventus are not the only club that are interested in a summer deal for Nkunku.
Sources have indicated that Bayern Munich and Newcastle United have also looked into a deal for the 27-year-old.
LFC could go for Simons (Anfield Watch)
It appears that both Bayern Munich and Liverpool have RB Leipzig’s as a Plan B should a pursuit of Florian Wirtz fail:
Bayern retain confidence that Wirtz will join them – if he is to leave Leverkusen. Accordingly, Liverpool have got plans to compile a list of alternatives to Wirtz. One name appearing on that list is Xavi Simons of RB Leipzig.
Signed to a permanent deal by the Red Bulls in January, the Dutch international signed a contract only until 2027 – meaning he will be sold sooner rather than later. The 22-year-old is a versatile performer – capable of lining up across the attacking midfield line although he wouldn’t be described as a conventional winger.
A new report in TEAMtalk claims Simons – who got 10 goals and seven assists for Leipzig despite a difficult campaign – has been put forward by Liverpool staff as an option instead of Wirtz. Moreover, it’s claimed that the highly-rated playmaker – who starred with Cody Gakpo at PSV – is keen on a move to Anfield.
Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show: Season 7, Episode 43 (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich’s season is over, but the real work might just be beginning.
This is a crucial offseason for the Bavarians and the coaching staff and front office will be hard at work to try and maneuver the roster in a way that will set up the squad for the 2025/26 campaign. We have a lot to say about that, so let’s get to it.
This is what we have on tap for the Bavarian Podcast Works Show:
- How should we view this season…and what did we learn?
- The standard must be — and will be — higher next season.
- Is there reason to think that Harry Kane might see out his contract…or even stay longer?
- Bayern Munich has key decisions to make in the coming weeks as Dayot Upamecano, Leroy Sané, Sacha Boey, and João Palhinha are among the players where movement is possible (in one way or another). Let’s break those situations down.
- Is this a Florian Wirtz-free podcast? Almost, but not quite.
- Some notes about the Bavarian Podcast Works summer schedule.
