Bayern has motives for wanting Kane to win Ballon d’Or (Sport Bild’s Christian Falk)
Obviously, Bayern Munich would love for Harry Kane to get the acclaim he deserves and win the Ballon d’Or, but the club does have other reasons for hoping that the Englishman can win the coveted trophy:
I heard it would be a very important thing for Harry Kane to win this year’s Ballon d’Or. It would also be very important for Bayern Munich, because it would show that the club can be anything for any player and that the Bundesliga is not just a “farmer’s league”; the best players can play in the German
top-flight. For Kane, of course, it would be important after England’s disappointing exit from the World Cup. He won the golden boot this season, the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal, so he has a very good chance. I had a look at the bookies and they have very good odds on Harry Kane. But he has, of course, competition; there’s Kylian Mbappe who scored 10 goals, Lionel Messi (who’s already a big name) with eight goals in the World Cup, and don’t forget the world champions with Rodri and Lamine Yamal, not to mention Ousmane Dembele from PSG who helped them win the Champions League. So, it’s getting difficult for Harry Kane.
Ultimately, Kane winning the Ballon d’Or would also be beneficial for Bayern’s negotiations with Michael Olise, as it proves to the Frenchman that he can achieve anything he wants with the Bavarian giants. So, perhaps he doesn’t need to have his head turned by Real Madrid or other European heavyweights. Bayern Munich are looking at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, and it’s in London on October 26 – so, a home advantage for Harry Kane.
Bayern Munich is not in the wrong here. The Bundesliga could use a profile boost and there is no other club equipped to help provide that. Just two years ago, Jamal Musiala was being touted as a Ballon d’Or candidate. Now, with Kane and Olise, it actually does have two players who performed to the requisite level of play to be under consideration.
For this writer, Kane has the edge over Olise, but both are likely to be swallowed by the propaganda machine that is France Football. Somehow, though. Mbappé and Messi will probably garner more consideration.
If there are any players who could make stronger cases — maybe — it would be Paris Saint-Germain stars and Champions League winners Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia or World Cup winner Rodri. Maybe some will rate Declan Rice high for winning the Premier League, finishing second in the Champions League, and third in the World Cup. Still, it feels like there will be shenanigans.
Regardless, Kane has the performance, production, and trophies to warrant serious consideration — and Bayern Munich is right to want to push Kane as far as it can.
Salah to get some help at Trabzonspor? (ESPN)
Mo Salah made the big jump to Trabzonspor, but is Darwin Núñez next? Maybe (probably not, but maybe):
Turkish giants Trabzonspor are keen to reunite new signing Mohamed Salah with his ex-Liverpool teammate Darwin Núñez, according to iNews. Nunez, 27, was left out of Al Hilal’s Saudi Pro League squad when Karim Benzema joined in February 2026, and could depart this summer, but Tottenham are also interested in a €20 million move for the Uruguay international.
Juve seeking to sort out attack plans (Foot Mercato)
Juventus could be deciding on whether to keep Jonathan David or pursue Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee:
Transfer windows come and go, each one different for Jonathan David. In recent years, the Canadian was a player coveted by several clubs. But a year ago, it was Juventus who managed to lure him to Piedmont after his time at LOSC Lille ended. The striker wanted a new challenge at a higher-caliber club, no offense to Les Dogues (Lille’s nickname). So he crossed the Alps. But his first year in Italy didn’t go as he’d hoped. Nor did his club. He made 46 appearances in all competitions, providing 5 assists and scoring 8 goals.
Beyond these statistics, Iceman hasn’t truly found his place on the pitch, where he’s struggled to showcase his talents, nor in the dressing room, where he isolated himself for a time, according to the Italian press. The arrival of Luciano Spalletti provided a small boost, but it wasn’t enough. As last winter, his name was mentioned in the media in transfer rumors. The Canadian ultimately stayed in January. This summer, his continued status as a Juventus player after the transfer window closes is still uncertain.
Indeed, Juventus have placed him on the transfer list along with Loïs Openda, who has already joined Lyon on loan. The Canadian is ready to fight for his place in the team. However, he is no longer part of the coach’s and management’s plans, who are pushing him towards the exit. And if the message wasn’t clear enough before, it certainly is now. Juventus have signed Jeff Ekhator and Randal Kolo Muani, two competitors for his position. This Thursday, the Bianconeri are close to an agreement with Manchester United for Joshua Zirkzee, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Cardozo wants first team spot with Bayern (Sport Bild’s Christian Falk)
Maycon Cardozo is trying to buck the odds and earn a first team spot with Bayern Munich:
✅ It is TRUE: Maycon Cardozo (17) wants to fight for a space in Bayern’s senior squad. He’s doing very well at the moment, having also scored on the Asian tour. Now, Bayern Munich are thinking about keeping him around in Germany this coming season. The initial idea was to send Cardozo out on loan, or perhaps even sell him amid links to Manchester United. The Red Devils did watch him but didn’t get concrete with the player. Now, at the moment, Bayern do have some younger backups available to support the squad like Arijon Ibrahimović who’s doing really well. Of course, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a chance for Maycon Cardozo to also be a backup on this position in the midfield. At the moment, it’s looking good for the teenager.
Cardozo has had a strong preseason, no doubt. It feels like he needs a little more time, though. Like a few of his colleagues, Cardozo is in a weird position of maybe being ready to contribute at the first team level for a lot of clubs…just maybe not Bayern Munich (at least not yet).
Just a few years ago, it would have seem impossible that a 17-year-old would have a shot at making the first team for the Bavarians out of the preseason, but it is the dawn of a new age for Bayern Munich.
Gakpo on the block for LFC? (ESPN)
Liverpool might be ready to part ways with Cody Gakpo if it feels like it needs to clear some room to accommodate Bradley Barcola or Ibrahim Mbaye:
Liverpool could let forward Cody Gakpo leave if they sign Bradley Barcola or Ibrahim Mbaye from Paris Saint-Germain, says Football Insider. Gakpo, 27, is reported to be unhappy at the sacking of Arne Slot and is ready to move on from Anfield if a deal of around £70 million can be agreed. Tottenham Hotspur have shown the most interest but Liverpool are already short in wide areas after the departure of Mohamed Salah to Trabzonspor, so would need to sign some new additions first.
One thing that could help that along is the fact Paris Saint-Germain are confident of sealing a deal for Mika Godts from Ajax, according to Nicolo Schira. Personal terms are claimed to be agreed for the Belgium forward, who has agreed a contract until 2031. Ajax want a fee of €55 million for PSG to sign the 21-year-old, who scored 18 goals and assisted 18 across all competitions last season.
Zubimendi to Chelsea? (ESPN)
Martin Zubimendi will likely shift to the background for Arsenal and that could actually free him up for a move elsewhere. Chelsea is rumored to have intertest in the defensive midfielder:
Chelsea have also been linked with an unlikely move for Arsenal midfielder Martín Zubimendi, according to Mundo Deportivo. New Blues boss Xabi Alonso is keen on the World Cup winner, but the Gunners are unlikely to move him on, even with new £75 million midfielder Bruno Guimaraes arriving.
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…
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