Daily Schmankerl: Manuel Neuer, Sven Ulreich prep to re-up with Bayern Munich; Liverpool open to Federico Chiesa sale; VfB Stuttgart getting help; Arsenal wants Nico Williams; Manchester United eyeing Victor Osimhen; and MORE!

As expected, it looks like Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich are going to run it back at Bayern Munich for one more year per kicker journalist Georg Holzner:

Both Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich are close to extending their contracts at FC Bayern until 2026.

The moves have been expected, but are likely coming closer to being official closed, which provides two-third of the game plan for who will be on the roster at goalkeeper next season. That last position will likely be a goalkeeper from the outside.

Speaking of Neuer, the veteran is still in team training per Bild (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), but he is expected to start on Saturday against Borussia Mönchengladbach — at least as of now:

Although he’s back with the team, Manuel Neuer has only been able to take part in full training to a limited extent. Neuer joins in during the warm-up, but as soon as it comes to tactical exercises or practice games, he retreats to the adjacent pitch with goalkeeping coach Michael Rechner to complete individual goalkeeping training.

He’s still avoiding direct challenges and physical duels in order not to take any risks following his rib fracture. As things stand, the plan remains for Neuer to be back against Gladbach on January 11 – but he’s doubtful for (Monday)’s friendly against RB Salzburg.

It appears that the marriage between Federico Chiesa and Liverpool FC will be short-lived:

Liverpool are open to moving on winger Federico Chiesa in January, reports Calciomercato. Talks are reported to have taken place with Atalanta over a potential loan deal that would include an obligation to be made permanent in the summer, while the 27-year-old’s representatives have also discussed a switch to Napoli. Chiesa has made just one start for the Reds since arriving at Anfield in the summer.

Bayern Munich is back in action this week, but what should fans expect from the group by the end of the season? One trophy? Two? None?????

That is one of the hot topics we discuss on this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show. This is what we have on tap for this episode:

• Expectations for the second half of the season and what we can reasonably expect Bayern Munich to win — if anything — this season. Also, who poses the biggest threat to Bayern Munich in the league? You might already know…
• Bayern Munich is dealing with a multitude of contracts issues, including talks with several key players (some of whom would be considered major parts of the foundation for the future). The potential for distraction is real for a lot of the players…will it affect Bayern Munich?
• Per Sport Bild, Bayern Munich is staying closely involved on Florian Wirtz’s negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen. Is waiting until 2026 for Wirtz a smart move — or will it have an effect on Bayern Munich’s long-term squad planning?

VfB Stuttgart was ravaged by injuries in the Hinrunde, but could be looking to bring in some help for its ailing attack by signing Hoffenheim’s Jacob Bruun Larsen:

⚪️ Jacob Bruun Larsen, on the verge of joining @VfB with immediate effect ✔️

Verbal agreement is done. Total agreement with TSG Hoffenheim close to be done. His former coach Sebastian Hoeneß pushing for him.

26 y/o winger from Hoffenheim keen on the move after @hasanntuncel. Bruun Larsen can sign a contract at least until 2027 + 1. @Sky_Marlon89 @_dennisbayer

Wolfsburg might be coming to grips with the likelihood of losing Ridle Baku and might have a replacement set up:

VfL Wolfsburg is working on solutions on the transfer market. If Ridle Baku goes to Leipzig, Andreas Skov Olsen could come from Club Brugge.

Negotiations are ongoing and VfL wants to be prepared in the event of a Baku departure. Andreas Skov Olsen has come into focus. The Dane from Club Brugge has already been in VfL’s focus in the past, and now the Lower Saxony team has thrown its hat into the ring again . A left-footer for the right wing, which was mainly occupied by Baku in the first half of the season.

You come here daily. You read the posts. You listen to the podcasts (or at least you should).

Heck, you might even banter with some of BFW staffers in the comments or on social media.

But…do you really know us?

Now, you will get that chance. In a Bavarian Podcast Works Special Edition Series, we are unleashing unveiling “BFW Behind the Scenes.”

In this series you will get to know some of the BFW staffers a little better than you already do. Find out how they got involved with Bayern Munich, Bavarian Football Works, what they like, what they’re into, and what they are expecting from the Bavarians this season.

So settle in for some fun as Chuck Smith hosts “BFW Behind the Scenes” — a fun set of conversations with BFW staffers. We’ve got an entire slate of BFW’ers ready to go. Check out the podcasts and let us know what you think!

In this edition, you can meet RIPLT.

Manchester United is looking at any striker with a pulse, but would love to get Victor Osimhen:

Manchester United are looking to sign Victor Osimhen for under his release clause but Napoli will push for the €75m figure to met, reports Calciomercato, which adds that Galatasaray hope the striker will stay on loan until the end of the season. Juventus have given up on signing the 26-year-old and are focusing on the Red Devils’ Joshua Zirkzee, although Paris Saint-Germain will provide competition for Osimhen.

While FC Barcelona looks like the frontrunner for Nico Williams (Bayern Munich could also be in the mix), Arsenal FC would love to swoop in for the steal:

Arsenal are ready to trigger Nico Williams’ €58m release clause if they get the green light from the Athletic Club winger, reports Football Transfers. The Gunners are in ongoing discussions with the 22-year-old’s agent about a possible move, while the Basque club has identified Norwich City’s Borja Sainz as a replacement.

Bayern Munich is officially back in action as training kicked off on Thursday. There is much to talk about with that, but also even more to discuss now that the January transfer window is open.

Let’s get right to it! This is what we have on tap for the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:

• Bayern Munich is back in training, so let’s talk about who is in and who is still out.
• Frans Krätzig has returned from VfB Stuttgart, but could go right back out on loan. Who else could join him?
• Listener Q&A involving predictions for Bayern Munich’s free agents, plus a question on the wing situation — and who might be a good buy for the Bavarians.
• A quick Entertainment Rundown — yup, we watched the second season of Squid Game. We won’t spoil anything, but season two lived up to the expectations.