Bayern looking to set plans with Neuer, Ulreich (Kicker’s Frank Linkesch via @iMiaSanMia_GER)
Bayern Munich is likely moving forward with Jonas Urbig as its starting goalkeeper for the 2027/28 season, but it does have some unfinished business with both Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich:
Those in charge want to hold talks with Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich to clarify their futures by Christmas. Both appear to be nearing the end of their careers. Bayern could envisage keeping Ulreich on as part of the goalkeeping coaching staff.
If Ulreich also retires alongside Neuer, Bayern will need a new No.
3 as well. There are two options for this: bringing in an outside goalkeeper, presumably an experienced one, too. Or turning to their own youth academy.
If it comes down to drawing on their own youth, then perhaps with a duo who take turns. One travels and plays with the professionals, while the other gains match experience with the amateurs in the second team.
The plan seems sound for Bayern Munich and could be inexpensive as well. Having at least one veteran as a dependable option who is open to a mentor role would be beneficial to Urbig, who will lose close confidants and a wealth of experience and information when Neuer and Ulreich move on.
Bayern eyeing Benfica winger? (Record Portugal’s Pedro Sousa via @iMiaSanMia)
Bayern Munich is reportedly scouting Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni:
Bayern have been tracking Benfica and Argentina winger Gianluca Prestianni (20). Amidst the recent reports about Porto’s Oskar Pietuszewski, Prestianni is the player Bayern have been consistently following in recent months.
Prestianni, of course, found himself embroiled in controversy last season after a verbal altercation with Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, where the Benfica player was accused of making racist statements. Prestianni has consistently denied the accusations.
Pochettino taking United job (The Athletic via Fabrizio Romano)
Barring anything crazy happening, it looks like USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino will be the next coach of Manchester United. Here is how it played out over the course of Wednesday, as relayed by Fabrizio Romano from The Athletic:
🚨💣 Manchester United are advancing in talks to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as new head coach.
Pochettino wants the job and talks are moving forward, as @TheAthleticFC
reports.He’s the clear favorite waiting for club final decision.
GiveMeSport’s Ben Jacobs reported that if Michael Carrick gets sacked, Pochettino will get the call:
Mauricio Pochettino set to become the next Manchester United manager if Michael Carrick departs, which is the recommendation of Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox. Meeting in Monaco today, as revealed. Carrick still waiting to be informed and is currently at Carrington. Pochettino wants the job and terms are being finalised, as
@TheAthleticFC called. Pochettino’s US Soccer contract contains an exit clause worth around $10m. Backroom staff expected to add a further $2m. #MUFC yet to make formal contact with US Soccer.
Finally, Romano checked back in when the deal was proclaimed to be done (but not officially announced):
🚨 BREAKING: Manchester United have verbally agreed terms in principle with Mauricio Pochettino to become the new head coach.
Negotiations ongoing with US Federation to move forward as $10m release clause is available to get Poch.
Formal steps to follow — then here we go.
Who’s up next for the USMNT? (The Athletic)
This is not a shocking development—the USMNT is targeting Pep Guardiola for its head coaching job:
U.S. Soccer is expected to make Pep Guardiola a top target to replace Mauricio Pochettino if the USMNT coach leaves for Manchester United, sources briefed on the situation tell The Athletic.
Full story from @PaulTenorio, @henrybushnell and @tombogert: https://bit.ly/4kN7xSN
It would be a shocker to see Pep in the United States for that coaching gig. It is not impossible, but it might not exactly be probable either.
Vušković is highest rated defender in the Premier League (WhoScored)
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Luka Vušković is the highest-rated defender in the Premier League according to WhoScored.com. Just a year ago, he was earning his stripes in the Bundesliga:
People keep trying to bury this kid, but he just keeps producing good performances.
Stuttgart to hold fire sale? (Sport Bild’s Julian Agardi)
VfB Stuttgart could be toying with the idea of selling off some players:
After a summer of heavy investment, #VfB Stuttgart’s supervisory board has given the executive board a clear mandate to generate transfer revenue. Ideally as early as the winter. A specific example: Jamie #Leweling is likely to leave VfB after the first half of the season for €30 million.
There are other possibilities to generate revenue, as Bilal El Khannouss and Angelo Stiller each have release clauses in their current contracts:
Bilal El Khannouss has a release clause at #VfB Stuttgart, set at €75 million. Chris #Führich’s release clause (just over €20 million), on the other hand, expired in the summer and will not be reinstated. Only #Stiller and El Khannouss have release clauses at VfB.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts
- New, improved notifications system!
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
