It has been widely reported that Bayern Munich is seeking to lower its payroll, but with a massive contract extension for Jamal Musiala looming and a potential (expensive) acquisition of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz in play, how can the club achieve that goal?
Well, eliminating some big salaries from the current mix of players is one way to help to do that. Leon Goretzka, Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry, and maybe even Leroy Sané could be candidates for sale. When it comes to players like Joshua Kimmich and Alphonso Davies, though, the club wants to keep them…but might have a strict limit as to how high it is willing to go with salaries for them moving forward:
Barcelona are currently planning to add some more high-quality players to their team for free in the future, and for the upcoming summer, two such players that they can incorporate are Joshua Kimmich and Alphonso Davies, as both of these players have contracts with Bayern Munich running out at the end of this season.
Currently, there is a lot of uncertainty about the future of these players. There were rumors of Davies having come to an agreement with Real Madrid recently, but the fullback’s agent categorically denied this and ensured that his client’s future was completely open.
Bayern Munich have been trying to arrive at an agreement with these two important players, but an agreement has not been in sight.
Although the Bavarians have kept a low profile in regards to these operations, Mundo Deportivo reports how the German club’s Sporting Director set the limits that an agreement will have to be arrived within:
“It’s important to have a solid foundation and for the players to feel comfortable. We always talk about money, but well-being is also important. This is a performance-driven business, so promises can’t be made. My goal is to keep things at a good level. A good atmosphere for dialogue is very important, but that doesn’t mean you can say, ‘That’s it, no further.’”
These comments imply that Bayern will be not too keen to give in to these players’ demands, while also hinting that an agreement with these players is still not in sight. This situation can turn out to be in favor of Barcelona, or the other interested clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester United, but the future of these players still remains highly uncertain.
It feels like that “line” might be more flexible for Kimmich than Davies at this stage, but if the Canadian continues his excellent run of play, we could see Bayern Munich reconsider.
Manchester City could be looking at Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush to bolster its attack:
Bolstering in attack is key to Man City’s plans in 2025. A bid of €150m (£126m) could be submitted for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, while Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush is the top target to alternate with Erling Haaland. A €60m (£50.4m) offer has already been made.
Bayern Munich likely knew that it was going to be in for a frustrating match and also probably knew that it would have to endure a deep-sitting FC Augsburg side if it wanted to somehow try to pull out a victory.
In the end, Bayern Munich would win 3-0, but it was not easy. Here is what we have on tap for the Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show:
- A look at the starting XI.
- A rundown of the scoring and substitutions.
- What went wrong early on.
- Why this game has our host torn about how it played out.
- Cover your ears, it is time to praise Leon Goretzka.
- Should the Bundesliga be wary about how it is presenting itself to neutrals or new fans?
- How are we feeling about Bayern Munich after this one as the teams heads into a very tough part of the schedule?
Napoli wants to do everything it can to keep Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in Italy:
Napoli are hoping they can persuade Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to extend his contract beyond 2027 and prevent him from moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2025, according to Calciomercato. Napoli want to keep the 23-year-old and avoid a repeat of the situation that saw Victor Osimhen leave for Galatasaray, but so far the club and player are yet to agree on an extension. PSG, and clubs in England, continue to monitor the situation.
At one point, Bayern Munich was thought to have interest in Achraf Hakimi, but he has re-upped with Paris Saint-Germain:
Achraf Hakimi has signed new long term deal at Paris Saint-Germain until June 2029, as planned.
It’s all sorted since August with Luis Campos on it and now set to be announced, salary and details all in place.
PSG, planning with this new deal as @FabriceHawkins reported. pic.twitter.com/s8Gkx2Apwc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 21, 2024
Bayern Munich is back in action and fans are excited about watching the squad come back together on the pitch.
Off the field, though, things might even be more hot with some of the rumors going on. Let’s talk about some of the biggest stories on this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:
- Joshua Kimmich is representing himself and might be bullying Bayern Munich’s more experienced front office.
- It still feels like Leroy Sané is going to re-up, but will the potential acquisition of Florian Wirtz be a stumbling block as Arsenal FC and Manchester United linger?
- Bayern Munich’s midfield is banged up, Leon Goretzka might start, and some people are not going to like it. Why has Goretzka become such a lightning rod for fans?
FC Barcelona is feeling good about its chances to land Bayer Leverkusen center-back Jonathan Tah:
Optimism is emerging from Barcelona in the race for Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah, writes Sport. The Blaugrana are “gaining ground” in the race for the 28-year-old, who is expected to leave when his contract expires in June. Bayern Munich have been linked but there is also belief that Real Madrid could make an approach when the transfer window opens in January.
Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, and Atlético Madrid are all keeping a close eye on PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi:
Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, and Atlético Madrid are keen on PSV Eindhoven forward Ricardo Pepi, reports AS. The clubs are said to have already made enquiries to the Eredivisie side over a potential move for the 21-year-old United States international, and there is belief that they could be willing to part ways with him if a suitable offer arrives. Pepi has scored six goals in 11 league appearances so far this season.
The German national team took on Hungary in a game in which former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann punted used a heavy rotation.
It was never going to be smooth sailing given all the changes, but Germany eventually outlasted Hungary to scratch out a feisty 1-1 draw — thanks to a goal from Felix Nmecha (!?) and a late handball call on Robin Koch.
Here is what we have on tap for the Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show:
- A look at the starting XI.
- A rundown of the scoring and substitutions.
- Given the performance of Daniel Peretz for Israel and Alexander Nübel for Germany, could Bayern Munich have an embarrassment of riches at goalkeeper?
- How are we feeling about Germany after this one?
