Spurs boss pushing for Goretzka move? (TEAMtalk)
Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka continues to be at the forefront of the club’s transfer news because so many clubs are — allegedly — interested in the Germany international.
TEAMtalk transfer insider Dean Jones is reporting that Tottenham Hotspur has its eyes on Goretzka and could be interested in a January move.
“There have been a few stories linking Spurs with Goretzka and there is something in it. The player is keen to explore a move to the Premier League and since Spurs have been sounded
out, there have been a few people willing to consider the idea,” said Jones. “I’m told Thomas Frank is actually one of the interested parties, as he views him as one of the more dependable players they have been offered at a time when they are seriously looking at midfield options for 2026.
“My hunch is that such a move won’t actually go ahead because I get the impression enough other people are not convinced this is the right move for them as they attempt to remodel the team and build for the future. But it’s a sign of movement and a sign that Spurs are active in the market for a player in that area.”
Bayern Munich is unlikely to sell Goretzka in January, but imagine Spurs end up starting Goretzka and João Palhinha as part of their XI.
Real getting sick of being used as leverage (Madrid Universal)
It’s not easy being Real Madrid (note the sarcasm dripping off that statement). The LaLiga powerhouse is sick and tired of being used as leverage in transfer pursuits:
A recent report from Diario AS has indicated that Real Madrid are growing tired of chasing free agents.
Real Madrid believe the agents of some of the players with expiring contracts are trying to use the club and take advantage of their free agent status to market their players. This has happened in the past with Real Madrid, particularly during the pursuit of Alphonso Davies, where the player used his free agent status to earn a renewal at Bayern Munich.
Even Dayot Upamecano right now is using the same pattern. The Frenchman had been in talks with Real Madrid for quite some time, but is now close to signing a deal at Bayern.
That is why Real Madrid have adopted a stricter transfer strategy where the club will not engage in any activities, especially around players whose contracts expire in the summer. This is a massive shift in policy for Real Madrid, who were only chasing defenders with expiring contracts more than a few weeks ago.
If only there were ways to deal with such malfeasance.
Girona to make move for Ter Stegen? (Barca Universal)
Girona is showing interest in FC Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen:
Barcelona’s goalkeeping situation has taken another unexpected turn, with a recent report from SPORT revealing that Girona are actively pushing to sign Marc-Andre ter Stegen during the January transfer window.
In recent weeks, much of the speculation around Ter Stegen’s future had centred on Aston Villa.
The Premier League side were repeatedly linked with a move for the German goalkeeper, especially given the uncertainty surrounding his role at Barcelona.
However, the reality on the ground is very different, as Aston Villa are not currently in the market for a new goalkeeper.
If Ter Stegen wants any hope of joining Germany for the 2026 World Cup, he might have to take what he can get.
Wirtz reflects on starring role vs. Wolves (Fabrizio Romano)
Liverpool attacker Florian Wirtz felt good about his performance against Wolverhampton on Saturday.
“It was very nice the feeling on the pitch with the fans around. I was very happy and I still am,” Wirtz said. “I was confident that I would score one day. I wanted to start earlier scoring… I have to accept it. It will come. I try to keep going like that.”
You can read more about Wirtz’s big game here.
Juve eyeing Tonali (ESPN)
Juventus wants to bring Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali:
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is Juventus’ dream signing, as reported by Gazzetta dello Sport, although it would take a transfer request from the 25-year-old and a suitable offer for the Magpies to let him leave. The Bianconeri could aim for an initial loan with an obligation for him to sign permanently that would be based on them qualifying for the Champions League. They could also look to include striker Jonathan David in a deal if Newcastle are open to that possibility. Corriere dello Sport suggests that Juventus are pushing for Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg despite the French club not wanting him to leave and could look to sign Xaver Schlager when the midfielder’s contract at RB Leipzig expires in the summer.
Leeds eyeing former Bayern target (TEAMtalk)
Leeds United could make a move for RB Leipzig defender and former Bayern Munich transfer target El Chadaille Bitshiabu:
Leeds United are holding internal talks over whether to make a concrete move to sign RB Leipzig defender El Chadaille Bitshiabu after learning of his potential availability, with sources rating the Frenchman’s chances of a move to Elland Road.
Leipzig are believed to be ready to loan the player out, though are opposed to a permanent deal for the former PSG prospect. That arrangement could also suit Leeds, who are still keeping a careful lid on their finances in January but would also be wary of spending big money on a player they could not necessarily guarantee regular first-team football to, either.
However, there is other interest in Chadaille Bitshiabu too, and we understand West Ham have also been made aware of his potential availability as Nuno Espirito Santo looks to strengthen his defensive options for the second half of the season.
Despite that, if Leeds do make a concrete move, they would be confident of winning the race for his signature. The Whites enjoy a strong relationship with the Red Bull group, who are a silent partner in the club and are their main shirt sponsors, and having also struck several transfer agreements across their group in recent times.
Indeed, Tyler Adams (Leipzig), Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Max Wober (all Salzburg) have made the switch in recent times. Meanwhile, the trusted Fabrizio Romano has taken to X to confirm that Chadaille Bitshiabu could depart the Red Bull Arena in the new year.
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…
