Barca makes Kane No.1 priority (ESPN)
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has a contract that runs through 2027, but he does have an out for this summer — if he lets the Bavarians know in January.
One club that is already trying to position itself for a move is Hansi Flick’s FC Barcelona, which has — allegedly — made Kane its top priority for the summer of 2026 transfer window:
Barcelona are interested in Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, according to The Guardian. The LaLiga club have reportedly made the 32-year-old their No. 1 priority
amid their search to find the ideal successor to 37-year-old Robert Lewandowski, who is set to be out of contract in June. Kane’s impressive form has seen him score 23 goals in 16 matches across all competitions this season, and a clause in his contract allows him to be signed for a fee of around €65 million in the summer.
It seems unlikely that Kane is considering a move at this point, but there are a lot of variables, including opportunity, money, and family. Any decision Kane makes will have to contemplated on for quite a bit.
The Englishman is in the midst of a tremendous season and vibes are extremely high. Simply put, there is not much of a reason for him to consider leaving Bayern Munich in 2026. The transfer game can be one that turns quickly, though.
Even if it looks great now and most fans expect him to see out his current contract (even this author, who initially thought Kane would rollout in 2026), a lot can change between now and July.
Upamecano names the five most difficult strikers that he’s faced (L’Equipe via @iMiaSanMia)
Bayern Munich and France center-back Dayot Upamecano was asked to list the most difficult strikers that he’s faced and this was what he came up with:
Harry Kane
Robert Lewandowski
Ousmane Dembélé
Kylian Mbappé
Serhou Guirassy
All of those made sense, except maybe Guirassy, which was an interesting name for the list. No knock against Guirassy, but he is at least a notch (probably two) below the rest.
LFC gaining confidence with Schlotterbeck? (ESPN)
Liverpool might be feeling good about its potential pursuit of Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck:
Liverpool have received a boost in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck, according to Bild. It is reported that the 25-year-old is unhappy with the style of play deployed by manager Niko Kovac, and is refusing to sign a new contract at the club. Schlotterbeck, who will enter the final year of his deal in the summer, is on the Reds’ shortlist as they continue their search for a center back, but they could face competition from Bayern Munich.
Schlotterbeck will be a big target for many clubs this summer, but BVB really could be willing to make him ride out his current deal, which ends in 2027. Even if he wants to go to Liverpool or Bayern Munich or somewhere else, it might not be easy.
Real, Arsenal, Chelsea leaders for Yildiz (ESPN)
Former Bayern Munich academy star Kenan Yildiz is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after players in all of Europe. Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Chelsea are all allegedly interested in the Juventus star:
A battle between Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Chelsea is expected to take place for the signing of Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, per Gazzetta dello Sport. It is reported that contract talks have stalled after a recent meeting, with the 20-year-old looking for an offer worth in the region of €6 million-per-season. The Bianconeri have now paused talks with Yildiz’s representatives, but they will demand a transfer fee in excess of €100 million if they are unable to sign him to an extension as several clubs are monitoring the situation.
Madrid still keeping close tabs on Upamecano (Madrid Universal)
Real Madrid is going to continue to monitor Bayern Munich star Dayot Upamecano as one its top candidates to pursue starting in January:
Having followed Ibrahima Konate closely for the majority of the season so far, it appears Real Madrid have recently shifted their preferences. Instead of Liverpool defender Konate, Real Madrid have set their sights on his compatriot Dayot Upamecano, whose contract at Bayern Munich expires at the end of the season.
Upamecano is regarded highly in the Real Madrid camp, with recent reports suggesting that Konate is no longer a priority for Los Blancos. This is now confirmed by Sky Sports’ Sacha Tavolieri, who suggests that Real Madrid are indeed closely tracking the progress of Dayot Upamecano.
The Spanish giants are aware that they could be awarded a market opportunity should Upamecano fail to negotiate a deal with Bayern Munich. The Bavarians, for their part, are keen on keeping hold of the French international, who had joined the club RB Leipzig in 2021.
Gunners enter competition for Adeyemi (ESPN)
Arsenal could throw its hat in the ring for Borussia Dortmund attacker Karim Adeyemi:
Arsenal have entered the race to sign Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi, TEAMtalk reports. The Germany international has been heavily linked with both Manchester United and Barcelona, following a strong start to the Bundesliga season. However, Arsenal are now said to have initiated contact with the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes. BVB attempted to secure the 23-year-old’s long-term future earlier this year with a contract extension, but talks stumbled after the club rejected his release clause request. His current deal is set to expire in 2027, potentially opening the door to a transfer next summer.
Adeyemi could be a massive loss for BVB, but it still feels as if he is set for a longer stay in Dortmund.
