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Weekend Warm-up: Bayern Munich’s Aleksandar Pavlović a wanted man by Manchester City, Manchester United; Hope for Harry Kane?; Bundesliga predictio...

Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlović is no longer an unknown commodity.

In fact, he is very popular these days. According to a report from Sport Bild journalists Christian Falk and Tobi Altschäffl

(via @iMiaSanMia), Pavlović’s resolve and loyalty to Bayern Munich will be tested this summer as he is drawing interest from some very eager and deep-pocketed suitors — Manchester City and Manchester United:

Manchester City and Manchester United have enquired about Aleksandar Pavlović through intermediaries. City’s interest, in particular, is very concrete as he’s seen there as a perfect Rodri successor. There’s been no contact with Bayern, but with the player’s camp. For Pavlović, however, a move away from Munich is currently not an option.

While it seems unlikely that Pavlović would already be contemplating an exit, both Manchester teams can afford to pay a hefty transfer fee and offer a big salary bump for the Germany international, who currently brings in €5.7 million per season through 2029. With a move to England, that figure could easily double.

Yikes.

From a Bayern Munich perspective, there has to be at some hope that the central midfielder’s future lies with Pavlović and Tom Bischof. To retain two well-regarded players like that, it will take patience, flexibility, and…money.

At a time where Bayern Munich is looking to cut salaries, it could be looking at a substantial raise for Pavlović or the potential of having to think long and hard about whatever number the Manchester teams are ready to offer for a transfer fee.

As for this writer, a Pavlović/Bischof tandem in the post-Kimmich era would be insanely exciting. Will it come to be? We might know as soon as the summer of 2026 if that is still on the table or if Pavlović becomes the latest German to test his wears in England.

Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show Season 5, Episode 10

Bayern Munich has one more weekend of action before another international break, but that does not mean there is a lack of suitable topics to discuss.

Let’s take a look at what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:

Champions League Power Rankings — are we ready to place Bayern Munich in the top group? You know it! But…where does the squad stack up against Europe’s other top teams. Let’s discuss.
German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann has little room for error and must find a way to break from the same bad habits that help fell him at Bayern Munich.
Listener Q&A — questions on Harry Kane, the inner workings of Bavarian Football Works, and Noël Aséko Nkili;s future.
Reviewing the latest episode of HBO’s Task.

Song of the week: “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals

Man…this song — while relatively well known — is still a bit of a lost gem to today’s kids.

When I was young, I thought this was sung by The Doors, but only after some astute listening to DJs (way before the days of the internet where you can find just about anything) did I learn that this was actually the work of a band called The Animals.

The Animals had a few very noteworthy hits, but this song is, well, something very different. It is part eerie, part strong, and part lamentation. It’s great…but it is not for everyone.

Some know this from the classic 1995 flick Casino, but the old heads (like myself) remember it from the radio. Enjoy:

Bavarian Podcast Works — Edges and Underdogs, a BuLi Action Show: Match Day 6

Welcome to Bavarian Podcast Works — Edges and Underdogs, a BuLi Action Show!

This is not your run-of-the-mill gambling show as we are putting more focus on the ins-and-outs of the actual match day’s showdowns, rather than an odds-driven format (but yes, you will get the odds as well). This podcast is for people who watch the Bundesliga intently and who want to dive into some of the big games for each match day. Through that, we will also provide some information that could help those seeking to make a wager or two.

Each week, we will highlight three matches to talk through and break down who has the edge, who might be hurting, who is susceptible to being upset, who’s getting hot, and more! This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Edges and Underdogs, a BuLi Action Show:

Catching up on how we did last week.
A look at this weekend’s match-ups — including win probability, odds, injury updates, trends, AI predictions, and our predictions as well.

The bottom line…it’s time for some action.

Freund hoping for best with Kane

Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund wants to keep Harry Kane with the club and offered hope, but not much more when it comes to the Englishman’s future.

“Everyone sees every 3 days how incredibly important for the team he is and how much joy and fun he’s having playing football. He’s an important factor for FC Bayern and we’re very happy to have him. We hope that will remain the case for a long time,” Freund stated (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).

Entertainment Rundown

Task

Once again, Task was…awesome. Let’s dig in:

There was a lot to unpack in this one, but I am a sucker for a good flashback and being able to see the relationship between Robbie and Billy, plus the interaction between Billy and Eryn that would really spur all of the events for the show was excellent. In addition, we learn a lot about the deep pain of rejection that Robbie was feeling before his life was completely turned upside down.
The failed sting was executed so well and how the show was shot and written made viewers really start to think about that taskforce leak and who it might really be.
The mother club’s plans for Jayson added even more intrigue and urgency to the entire plot.
If there is one thing that Brad Ingelsby has mastered, it is the timing and pacing of his shows. Nothing feels rushed, nothing feels like a filler. Everything has a purpose and that is a rarity these days in modern television and streaming.
The plotline with Tom’s family (the weakest of the show, but one necessary to show the pain he — and his family — are going through, plus the complexities of managing family life and a demanding career) does not take up too much time, but gets its points across very succinctly.
Cliff…well, he did exactly what you would have expected him to do in that situation.
This is a revenge story gone wrong, then even more wrong. After this being so great so far, you just have to hope that the eventual homestretch pays off.
Overall, this show has been spectacular on every level. For the first time in a longtime, I eagerly anticipate every Sunday night for the latest episode.

Rating: 9.75/10.00

Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show: Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Bayern Munich

After dismantling Pafos FC in the Champions League, Bayern Munich will travel to Eintracht Frankfurt for a key Bundesliga tilt.

Die Adler can be a handful, but the Bavarians are riding high at the moment and could be too much for the offensive strong, but defensively challenged Eintracht Frankfurt squad to handle.

Let’s get into all of it right here! This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show:

What to watch for with Eintracht Frankfurt — can a selling club stay a prime contender to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga? This Eintracht squad might be able to.
A look at Bayern Munich’s injury situation.
A guess at Bayern Munich’s starting XI — the central midfield selection could be key for Vincent Kompany.
A prediction on the match.

Predictions

This is dangerous for Bayern Munich…make no mistake.

The Bavarians are heading into an international break after being thoroughly dominant. Meanwhile Eintracht Frankfurt has been good, but not great — and was embarrassed by Atlético Madrid in the Champions League.

My better senses tell me that Bayern Munich is ripe for being upset, but eyes tell me that Bayern Munich is just too good at the moment.

Prediction: Eintracht Frankfurt 1-3 Bayern Munich

Other Bundesliga predictions: