Upamecano wants “significant” raise (L’Equipe via @iMiaSanMia)
Bayern Munich and center-back Dayot Upamecano put contract talks on hold for the summer, which could be an ominous sign considering that his deal expires after the 2025/26 campaign, but not all hope is lost.
In fact, there is optimism on Bayern Munich’s end that a new contract will get signed during the season, but if that is to happen, the Bavarians will need to buck up:
Dayot Upamecano is demanding a significant pay rise in order to extend his Bayern contract. The Frenchman is happy in Munich and has
ADa good relationship with Vincent Kompany but believes he deserves a salary that matches his status as one of the top ‘specialists’ in his position. Negotiations are ongoing but could still take time to find a solution.
The Upamecano situation is one to watch. Bayern Munich has talked a lot about lowering its payroll, but — so far — payroll expenses have only gone up this summer. There is still time to go full Crazy Eddy and slash the salary budget, but Bayern Munich’s will might be tested in the Upamecano talks.
Barca getting closer with Rashford (Fabrizio Romano)
FC Barcelona is reportedly getting a lot closer to finalizing a deal for Manchester United attacker Marcus Rashford:
Barcelona have sealed all the documents of Rashford deal, set to land in Spain.
Understand Barça will pay €14m gross as salary coverage plus bonuses linked to appearances.
Marcus takes 15% pay cut and Man Utd will not cover his salary.
€30m buy option for June 2026.
There are rumors that Rashford’s move could be a loan initially, but nothing is certain.
Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show: Season 7, Episode 61 (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich’s summer transfer window could be heating up very soon.
The dominoes are falling all around Bayern Munich and with each move, it should open up things for another. After a relatively quiet and composed approach to squad planning for the summer, it is time to start wheeling-and-dealing.
Let’s get into all of that on this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show:
- With a move for Hugo Ekitiké getting close, the reality is that Bayern Munich is likely going to get Luis Diaz…whether fans like it or not. Let’s discuss…
- Bayern Munich has reportedly exited talks with VfB Stuttgart to focus on a deal for Diaz. What should fans think? Will Bayern return to the negotiating table? Is this all spiraling out of control?
- It might just be time for Bayern Munich to rip off the band-aid. If there are options to sell Kim Min-jae, João Palhinha, and Sacha Boey, Bayern Munich should just unload them. It is time to stop thinking patience is a virtue with every player who underperforms.
- A final note on Florian Wirtz as Bayer Leverkusen’s CEO gloats over Bayern’s failure to land the star player.
LFC could use Diaz sale to help fund Rodrygo move (TEAMtalk)
Liverpool FC likely needs some cash with all of the moves it has going on, but one report says that the Reds could used any revenue generated from a sale of Luis Diaz to help fund a move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo:
We can confirm that Bayern are now considering raising their offer, and Liverpool are open to a sale if an offer with a guaranteed £65million arrives, significantly lower than the €100million (£87m / $116m) price tag reported elsewhere. There have also been claims that Diaz had verbally agreed to a lucrative contract with Bayern worth £230,000 per week, but this, again, is not the case.
There is no agreement yet between Diaz and Bayern. The Bundesliga champions have received permission to hold talks with the winger, but a contract still needs to be negotiated, with discussions ongoing. As mentioned, Bayern are considering a new, improved offer for the Colombian international. They plan to leverage on performance-related bonuses to get closer to Liverpool’s valuation.
Should Diaz be sold this summer, Liverpool are ready to move for an exciting Real Madrid star to fill the void, in what would be another exciting big-money transfer. Liverpool have today taken a big step in the pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, reportedly agreeing on a package worth €95million (£82m / $110m).
Liverpool and Arsenal have both been heavily linked with Brazilian international Rodrygo, whose future at the Bernabeu is increasingly uncertain. TEAMtalk can confirm that the Merseysiders’ reported interest in Rodrygo is genuine, but he will not be a cheap addition.
The 24-year-old is contracted until 2028, putting Madrid in a strong negotiating position. We understand that no firm price tag has been set for Rodrygo, but he will certainly cost over €90million (£78m / $105m), and Madrid want add-ons on top of that.
Liverpool won’t move for Rodrygo unless Diaz leaves, but he is a player to keep a close eye on as Bayern continue to push to sign the Colombian. Due to Madrid’s high demands, the Reds are also exploring other options.
Thiago to join Flick’s staff for real this time (Barca Universal)
After temporarily joining Hansi Flick’s coaching staff last season, former Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcántara seems set for a permanent role this season:
It is no secret that Hansi Flick is keen on expanding his coaching staff by bringing back Thiago Alcantara, this time as a permanent member. Thiago was part of Flick’s staff in the first few weeks of his tenure, playing a key role in connecting the Barcelona players with the German’s tactical philosophy before leaving. However, with the new season fast approaching, it appears Flick is keen on having Thiago back to help out with squad-building.
To that end, ESPN has come out with an optimistic report surrounding Thiago Alcantara and his potential return to Barcelona. According to the report, Barcelona expect to finalise Thiago’s return in the coming weeks, once certain financial fair play restrictions are resolved.
Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show Season 4, Episode 52 (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich’s summer has been one filled with rumors and, well, not much action.
But why? Let’s dig into how things are playing out and why Bayern Munich could be facing some tough times ahead. This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:
- Luis Diaz is either onto make or break Max Eberl’s Bayern Munich career, isn’t he?
- Is the rest of the Bundesliga sick of being bullied by Bayern Munich?
- Is the league bleeding too much talent?
- After BPW called for it, will Paul Wanner finally get his chance? It looks like it.
- Lennart Karl could also get his big break.
- The father of Florian Wirtz talks through how the decision to join Liverpool played out.
- HBO screwed me this week…find out how and why!
Spurs gearing up for Palhinha move (EPL Index)
Tottenham Hotspur could be readying itself for a bid on Bayern Munich midfielder João Palhinha:
Joao Palhinha’s time in Bavaria may be coming to a premature end. Just one year after joining Bayern Munich for £48 million, the Portuguese midfielder finds himself on the fringes under Vincent Kompany, with only seven Bundesliga starts to his name. It is understood that Tottenham Hotspur have recently held fresh talks with Palhinha, as reported by TBR Football, with the player open to a return to London.
Tottenham’s need for a new holding midfielder has been evident. Yves Bissouma, once tipped to anchor the midfield, is reportedly on the chopping block, and Palhinha has emerged as a viable replacement. At 30, the former Fulham man brings Premier League experience and a no-nonsense approach that could offer defensive stability to Ange Postecoglou’s midfield setup.
There is a rare alignment of factors that makes this potential move logical and financially viable. With Bayern dropping their asking price to around £26 million, Palhinha falls well within Spurs’ transfer parameters. Unlike deals in the past that have faltered on price or player ambition, this appears to be one Spurs can control.
The question now lies in how quickly Tottenham can move. Arsenal have shown prior interest, though that trail appears to have gone cold. If Spurs can act decisively, they may secure a player who, despite a rough year in Germany, was once one of the Premier League’s most consistent midfielders during his time at Fulham.
Palhinha has been linked to Tottenham a few times of late and it would seem like a decent spot for the Portuguese defensive midfielder.
Juve wants Adeyemi (Gazzetta dello Sport via ESPN)
Juventus is taking a look at Borussia Dortmund attacker Karim Adeyemi:
A move for Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi is being weighed up by Juventus. The 23-year-old is said to be a “dream” option for the Bianconeri, and he could be acquired with an offer worth €45m.
Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show: Season 7, Episode 60 (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich is embroiled in a lot at the moment. Transfers, potential front office instability, and youth development are at the forefront of the discussion, so let’s talk about all of that and more! This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show:
- Bayern Munich saw bids for VfB Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade and Liverpool’s Luis Diaz rejected...now what? It appears that Max Eberl and the fellas are going to keep plugging away.
- Why it is hard — even as a fan — to just dismiss the financial ramifications of such deals.
- Are Christoph Freund and Max Eberl on the hot seat? We have explored the topic before, but this could be a make or break season for the duo.
- Nestory Irankunda became the latest youngster who did not work out in Bavaria...but why? Is Paul Wanner the next to go?
More from bavarianfootballworks.com:
- A forgettable international match day for all Bayern Munich players involved
- Czech Republic vs Germany lineup, discussion: Time, TV schedule and how to watch World Cup Qualifiers online
- ‘What about Thomas Müller?' Support pours in for Bayern Munich's troubled icon
- BFW Transfer Deadline Day 2017 live thread
- Kingsley Coman confident of his part in Bayern Munich’s plans this season
- Report: Renato Sanches set for loan move to Swansea
- Would this guy be the perfect backup for Robert Lewandowski?
