For as much doubt as there seems to be about Bayern Munich’s ability to get Bayer Leverkusen ace Florian Wirtz this summer, there does appear to be a scenario where that could become a very viable option — a potential exit of head coach Xabi Alonso.
Per this report, Wirtz might be inclined to leave Bayern Leverkusen if Alonso decides to leave the club:
TBR Football understands that Florian Wirtz is expected to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer should Xabi Alonso depart the German club. Wirtz is amongst the most desired young talents in world football and thus far the attacking midfielder has remained loyal to Leverkusen.
A major factor in the 21-year-old opting to shun interest from elsewhere to stay with the German club is Alonso’s presence as head coach, however, that could be changing in 2025. Sources have told TBR Football that Alonso is in Real Madrid’s sights and could replace Carlo Ancelotti this summer.
Should the Spanish coach depart the Bundesliga champions in the summer that could leave the door open for Wirtz’s departure with many major clubs queuing up to sign him.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are all long-term admirers of Florian Wirtz and have long been in contact with his camp, sources have told TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.
All three English clubs remain in contact with the midfielder and whilst sources indicate to TBR Football that Wirtz, who is valued at £87m, has not ruled out a move to the Premier League, a deal is expected to be very tricky.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also pushing increasingly hard to land the attacking midfielder with the latter wanting to pair him with his German international colleague Jamal Musiala.
The Wirtz rumors are flying hot and heavy these days and Bayern Munich is assuredly on high alert to his situation. If there is any chance to get him, Bayern Munich will likely take it.
Liverpool FC could be one of the other contenders (with Bayern Munich) for Bournemouth center-back Dean Huijsen:
Liverpool are set to step up their search for a centre-back, reports Football Insider. The Reds are ready to act amid uncertainty over the future of Van Dijk, who has just four months remaining on his deal. Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen is reported to be one of the top names on their shortlist, with the club’s scouting department identifying him as a player who “ticks a lot of boxes” as a fit for manager Arne Slot’s system. Huijsen has a release clause in his contract worth £55m.
Bayern Munich is weathering the storm quite nicely (so far) this month, but there is much going on both on and off the field in Bavaria these days. Let’s tackle some of it right here on the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:
- Bayern Munich could extend the contract of Dayot Upamecano before Joshua Kimmich re-ups? Who saw that coming?
- With uncertainty on the menu for this summer, Bayern Munich fans should expect very little action. The biggest keys will be to avoid a panic buy, but to also be ready in the event that something unexpected happens — like Florian Wirtz wanting to leave Bayer Leverkusen.
- Whatever happens, Max Eberl is under the microscope.
- No, I don’t know what is going on with Thomas Müller either.
- Who do you want to see in the Champions League — Bayer Leverkusen or Atlético Madrid? I think I know who I want.
- A brief Entertainment Rundown.
It appears like Bayern Munich has moved on from the thought of signing Jonathan Tah after all:
Sport says that Bayern Munich have dropped out of the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah. The Germany international, 29, is available on a free transfer in the summer and has been linked with Barcelona, though reports suggest the Catalan club are also considering dropping out of contention as they want to focus on younger players.
Tah will be a free agent, so it would not be wholly shocking for Bayern Munich to renew its interest if the Bavarians decide to add a center-back this summer.
The Saudis fear that Mo Salah is just using them as leverage against Liverpool:
Saudi Arabian transfer chiefs fear they are simply being used by Mohamed Salah’s agents in an attempt to secure a more lucrative contract with Liverpool and are growing concerned that he may not be interested in a move to the Middle East.
Bayern Munich hosted Celtic FC in the second leg of the Champions League playoff round and — as expected — the Scottish champions were not going to go down without a fight.
In fact, Celtic almost pulled off an unthinkable effort and pushed the Bavarians to their limit. Only a last minute goal from Alphonso Davies — yup, he dressed for the match — saved Bayern Munich from having to go to extra time facing a Celtic side that was hungry to send the Germans out of the competition. Let’s talk about how it all went down and more on the Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show. This is what we have on tap:
- A look at the starting XI – what worked and what didn’t.
- A rundown of the scoring and substitutions.
- Some final thoughts and takeaways on the match.
Erik ten Hag is (somehow) now on the radar of several MLS clubs per a report:
Major League Soccer sides are exploring a move to hire former Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag.
Arsenal FC, Newcastle United, and Liverpool FC all reportedly interested in Eintracht Frankfurt attacker Hugo Ekitiké:
Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool are keeping tabs on Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké, according to Footmercato. Ekitiké has scored 17 goals in 32 games in all competitions this season and Frankfurt are looking for a similar fee to the €80m which saw Omar Marmoush leave for Manchester City last month. The France international has a contract until 2029 and almost moved to Newcastle during his time at Stade Reims, but opted for an ill-fated spell at PSG instead.
Matchday 22 proved to be the most decisive yet in the title race and relegation battle.
In this episode of The Bundesliga Rundown, we discuss:
- Did Bayern Munich play for a draw against Bayer Leverkusen?
- How has Vincent Kompany fared in his first season in charge of the Rekordmeister?
- Who is better—Florian Wirtz or Jamal Musiala?
- Eintracht Frankfurt and life without Omar Marmoush.
- … and much more!
Former RB Leipzig attacker Ademola Lookman is set to Atalanta after this season:
Plans have already been made for Ademola Lookman to leave Atalanta this summer, Fabrizio Romano reports. The 27-year-old has impressed in the UEFA Champions League this season but was publicly criticised by club manager Gian Piero Gasperini for taking — and missing — a penalty in Tuesday’s defeat to Club Brugge. As such, Atalanta will try to clarify the situation between Lookman and Gasperini within the next 24 hours, although that isn’t expected to change his summer plans amid reported Premier League interest in the Nigeria forward.
Chelsea FC could put itself in the running for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres:
Chelsea are considering joining the race for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres in the summer.
Bayern Munich earned a point during its trip to BayArena, but doubt and frustration with the squad’s recent performances have some fans feeling uneasy.
This is still a very good team (let’s not forget!), but exactly how good is a massive question these days. Let’s talk about all of that and more on this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show! This is what we have on tap:
- The aftermath of Bayern Munich’s 0-0 draw with Bayer Leverkusen — the good (there was some, believe it or not) and the bad.
- Joshua Kimmich did not do enough against Die Werkself. Is he wearing down — and has Vincent Kompany fallen into the trap of relying on certain players too much?
- Is it now time to start having some doubt about Kompany? Yes, yes it is.
- Jamal Musiala’s signing went official — and he has the rumored release clause in hand. Let’s discuss it all.
