Itō on the move? (Kicker via BuLiNews)
Hiroki Itō’s role at Bayern Munich this season has been limited, to say the least.
Per this report from Kicker, the Bavarians are hoping to find a new home for the Japan international in January or next summer:
Bayern Munich are aiming to sell Hiroki Ito when the winter transfer window opens, according to Kicker.
If no suitable offer arrives in January, the 27-year-old could leave in the summer instead, one year before his contract expires. Ito, who has played just 10 minutes across one appearance for Bayern
this season, joined the club from VfB Stuttgart for a reported €23.5 million fee in 2024.
When Bayern Munich initially acquired Itō, the move made sense. An experienced Bundesliga player who could play both left-back and center-back seemed like a perfect fit for the Bayern Munich roster. As we all know, though, injuries crippled the 27-year-old’s last two seasons.
At this moment, Itō is Bayern Munich’s No. 4 center-back and No. 3 (maybe) left-back (depending on where the club rates Josip Stanišić at left-back). Clearly, the former VfB Stuttgart defender is a luxury to have on the roster. Given the rumors that Bayern Munich would like to add a left-winger, a January sale of Itō to help fund such a move is probably not totally out of the question.
Napoli hitting wall in De Bruyne contract talks (ESPN)
Napoli is reportedly having a tough time reaching an accord on a new deal with Kevin De Bruyne:
Napoli are struggling to make progress in talks with the representatives of midfielder Kevin De Bruyne over a new contract, transfer journalist Nicolo Schira reports. Discussions have reportedly stalled with the 35-year-old, who arrived at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on a two-year deal in the summer of 2025, and it is now said that they are “on the verge” of parting ways next summer. De Bruyne was previously linked with clubs in Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League before deciding to join Gli Azzurri.
It will be very interesting to see where De Bruyne will close out his career.
Real keeping an eye on Jeltsch (ESPN)
VfB Stuttgart defensive phenom Finn Jeltsch is in camp with Germany now, but his play has reportedly garnered him some interest from Real Madrid:
Real Madrid are keeping an eye on Stuttgart center back Finn Jeltsch, reports Spanish newspaper AS. Madrid have signed Dean Huijsen and Ibrahima Konaté in the last two summer transfer windows but continue their efforts to strengthen the heart of their defence, and they are now monitoring several players from around the world. Jeltsch, 20, received his first Germany call-up from Jürgen Klopp this international window having joined Stuttgart from Nurnberg in January 2025.
Bayern Munich is reportedly also keeping a close eye on Jeltsch, who is considered to be one of the best young defenders in the Bundesliga.
Pulisic to get new deal from AC Milan? (ESPN)
Pennsylvania legend Christian Pulisic could be close to getting a contract extension with AC Milan:
AC Milan are planning to sign USMNT winger Christian Pulisic to a new contract extending until the summer of 2031, according to Corriere dello Sport. Initial talks have begun with the 28-year-old’s representatives over a deal worth around €5 million per season following his goal-scoring performance in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Lecce.
Bayern not expected to chase Wirtz in January (Sport Bild’s Christian Falk)
Despite some pretty unbelievable rumors to the contrary, Bayern Munich will not be pursuing Liverpool attacker and Germany international Florian Wirtz in January:
❌ It is NOT TRUE: Bayern Munich would go in for a player like Florian Wirtz in January. He’s too expensive! At Liverpool, he may not yet be performing like he was with Bayer Leverkusen, but I think he’s improving. It takes time with a new team. I also haven’t heard anything from the Liverpool side indicating that they’d be prepared to sell him this winter. Of course, that doesn’t stop there being a lot of rumours around his situation regardless. As far as Bayern Munich are concerned, as I’ve already mentioned, there’s nothing concrete. We have to look at the situation of Michael Olise – is he signing a new contract next summer? If not and he has to be sold, then Wirtz would be one of the first options Bayern Munich would look into. However, there are no talks, no deals, and I remain convinced that Florian Wirtz will have a good season for Liverpool.
It still would not be shocking to see Wirtz at Bayern Munich at some point, but not in January and probably not next summer either.
Gunners, LFC, Chelsea, Spurs scoping Schade (ESPN)
Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur are all keeping a close eye on Brentford winger and Germany international Kevin Schade:
There is increasing interest in Brentford winger Kevin Schade from Arsenal and Liverpool, according to Sky Sports. Brentford have held initial talks with the Germany international about extending his contract to see off that interest, with the aforementioned pair being the most serious about signing the 24-year-old when the summer transfer window drew to a close, although Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also admirers. Schade has entered the last two years of his current deal and Brentford are keen to offer him improved terms.
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
