Bayern plotting move for Big Nick? (Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke)
Nick Woltemade is on loan with Juventus, but could his long-term future be with Bayern Munich? One journalist thinks the Bavarians will have interest in the Germany international:
Bayern Munich are plotting a move to sign Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade next summer, sources have told Football Insider. The 24-year-old departed St James’ Park in the closing stages of the summer transfer window after agreeing to join Juventus on loan, but the deal contains no option to buy.
The Bundesliga champions
have been long-term admirers of the striker and were surprised when they missed out on a deal as he opted to join Newcastle last summer. However, one year on, they are continuing to keep tabs on Woltemade’s situation and could move to test Newcastle’s resolve when he returns from his season-long loan spell.
Despite his loan containing no option to buy, which means he will return to Newcastle, there are no plans for him to return and clubs have been placed on alert over his availability. Bayern Munich are chief among those clubs, having been long-term admirers, and could look to finally get their man should he be allowed to leave Newcastle.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Obviously, Newcastle will be hoping that Nick Woltemade can recapture his best form at Juventus. In that respect, Bayern Munich and are long-term admirers of his and could be tempted to make a move if he continues to prove himself. They were surprised when he joined Newcastle instead of joining them in the summer of 2025, so they are certainly admirers of him and might consider a move next summer. But it does seem that he doesn’t have a long-term future at Newcastle United, that’s for sure.”
Despite a growing expectation that Woltemade will leave Newcastle for good come next summer, it is currently unclear which club would be best-placed to bring him in. A number of clubs across Europe remain interested, including Bayern Munich and Juventus, who could make his loan permanent, alongside clubs in the Premier League.
It is true that Bayern Munich has liked Woltemade for a while, but it would seem very unlikely that the Bavarians would buck up to get Woltemade — especially after a season (2025/26) where he was not great. Even if Woltemade does well with Juventus, that would probably just push his price tag to a point where Bayern Munich would not want to get involved.
LFC chasing Smit (ESPN)
At one point, AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit was on Bayern Munich’s radar, but Liverpool could be the frontrunner to get the 20-year-old:
Liverpool are among a whole host of teams tracking AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, TEAMtalk reports. The 20-year-old has been a regular for the Dutch side over the past two seasons, with this campaign offering him a chance to impress in the Eredivisie and the Europa League once again. Liverpool are long-term admirers of Smit, who made his senior debut for Netherlands in March but did not make the cut for their 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
LFC expecting interest in Wirtz, but probably won’t sell (The Hard Tackle)
Liverpool is reportedly expecting some teams to kick the tires on Florian Wirtz this winter. This news indicates that Bayern Munich could be one of them (which is not going to happen), but Liverpool has no interest in selling Wirtz — at least not yet:
Bayern Munich and other clubs are expected to target Florian Wirtz in January, but Liverpool have made clear they will not sell the midfielder.
According to a report by Football Insider, Wirtz could attract interest ahead of the January transfer window, with the Reds and Andoni Iraola not planning to sanction a quick exit for the German international. Bayern Munich remain one of the interested clubs.
There were already rumours about the attacker’s future during the summer, with Chelsea reportedly among the clubs interested at the time. The criticism of Wirtz has continued into the new season and coincided with Liverpool’s lacklustre start to their Premier League campaign.
Liverpool had no intention of entertaining offers then, and that remains the case now as speculation surrounding Wirtz continues. The club are reportedly anticipating approaches ahead of the January transfer window, amid claims that Bayern Munich maintain an interest in the midfielder.
However, Liverpool have no intention of allowing Wirtz to leave anytime soon for several reasons. For starters, they have invested heavily in the player and would not want to see one of the most promising talents in world football depart without fulfilling his potential. More importantly, the club remain confident Wirtz can rediscover his form.
If Liverpool was going to give up on Wirtz, the most likely time would be next summer — after a floundering season. A massive move in January would be very unlikely for any bidder, especially Bayern Munich.
If the Bavarians were to get engaged with this pursuit (and a hunch says they eventually will), it would have to come at a later date.
Bellingham close to Real extension (ESPN)
Jude Bellingham is reportedly very close to a contract extension with Real Madrid:
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham is close to extending his contract at Real Madrid until 2032, according to Nicolò Schira. The England star’s existing contract runs until 2029, but Los Blancos are keen to secure the long-term future of a player they consider one of the cornerstones of the club. The 23 year old has scored two goals and added two assists under new boss José Mourinho this season, and the hope is that by offering him an extension early, they can avoid a protracted contract situation.
Undav opens up on struggles (BuLiNews)
VfB Stuttgart’s Deniz Undav has had a tough go of it lately. The attacker had clawed his way to playing time for Germany at the World Cup before ultimately getting his chance to start and subsequently disappearing on the pitch. To compound matters, Undav is off to a slow start for Die Schwaben, was left off the Germany national team call-up sheet this month, and was substituted out after 64 minutes of ineffective play vs. Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
Undav opened up on the situation and is going to work to get back to where he wants to be.
“Of course I’m not happy that I was substituted. I don’t feel like I’m getting the situations I had last season, because I’m often too far back. I’m hardly ever up front, and when I am, the balls don’t come. In four games, I’ve only had two chances,” Undav complained in an interview with Sky Germany after the game. “Last year, it was often the case that I stayed on the last line up front. Then I was always in a position where a ball might drop to me. Now I’m further back and sometimes have to run 40 meters forward. Then you rarely find yourself in those situations. I have to work on finding a better balance.
“I speak openly, I don’t hold back, and I say what I think, whether it’s negative or positive. I’ve often had problems and often had to prove myself. I already had a war this summer. Now I have to prove myself again. I’ve had that my whole life. I was briefly disappointed because I thought I had built up a bit of a cushion through the World Cup and my games for the national team. Apparently, that’s not the case again, and I have to prove myself all over again.”
“It’s exhausting having to prove yourself to every coach, but I’m used to it. So I’ll do it again, hopefully so that I’m back in November.”
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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