Bayern Munich News: FC Bayern’s extension with Dayot Upamecano could spell end of Nico Schlotterbeck courtship

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Upa deal complicates Schlotterbeck’s future (Sport Bild’s Christian Falk)

The impending contract extension agreement between Bayern Munich and Dayot Upamecano could spell the end of the club’s rumored flirtation with Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck:

Nico Schlotterbeck

said before that he wanted to win titles. When he signs autographs in future, he wants to be able to say that he’s won titles. Now, with Dortmund only six points behind Bayern in the title race, he’s said that the club have to be talking itself up as a potential champion of Germany. If not Dortmund, who else instead of Bayern? So, I think it’s in Dortmund’s interests to encourage rather than downplay his personal ambition.

Dayot Upamecano has signed a new contract at Bayern, so that’s one less exit route open for Schlotterbeck. He would like to move to FC Bayern. It’s a difficult situation for him. He has to decide, by the end of the season, whether he’s going to extend his contract at the Signal Iduna Park. I think Dortmund very much need this winning mentality – the belief that they can be the German champions. They have to!

While that might sound ominous to those of you who really want to see Schlotterbeck suiting up for the Bavarians, not all hope is lost…at least not yet. Kim Min-jae was left out of the squad against Hoffenheim and has — once again — failed to assert himself into a starting role.

That is less a knock on Kim than it is a pat on the back for how Upamecano and Jonathan Tah have functioned together this season.

Inter, MLS clubs vie for McKennie (ESPN)

Inter Milan and MLS clubs are going to attempt to lure Weston McKennie away from Juventus:

Inter Milan and a number of MLS clubs are hoping to tempt striker Weston McKennie from Juventus this summer, according to Tuttosport. The United States men’s national team international has been a consistent starter for Juve boss Luciano Spalletti and Bianconeri officials have made it a top priority to get the 27-year-old to commit to the club beyond his existing contract, which runs out in June. However, Inter CEO Beppe Marotta is hoping that a sensational free transfer could be in the making. Meanwhile, teams in MLS clubs are hoping to bring home a player who is a symbol of the USMNT but has not played there at club level since leaving FC Dallas to join Schalke 04 while still a youth player.

At one point, McKennie was rumored to be on the radar of Bayern Munich, but those days are long gone.

Kane, Olise, Díaz, Stanišić, Kimmich recognized for efforts (Who Scored)

Bayern Munich stars Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Luis Díaz, and Josip Stanišić were named to WhoScored.com’s Bundesliga Team of the Week:

In addition, Joshua Kimmich joined Díaz and Kane on Kicker’s Bundesliga Team of the Week:

Díaz was also named WhoScored.com’s Bundesliga Player of the Week:

Núñez to Flamengo? (ESPN)

Al Hilal striker Darwin Núñez could be on the move again:

Flamengo have shown an interest in Al Hilal striker Darwin Núñez, according to Brazilian outlet UOL. Flamengo have made an inquiry regarding the 26-year-old, but his €16 million salary is believed to be a stumbling block which could see them turn their attention to Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison instead. They have previously been linked with the 28-year-old, and with head coach Filipe Luis an admirer of him, the Mengao could make a fresh approach during the summer transfer window.

LFC wants to keep Konaté (Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke)

After months of rumors about a separation, Liverpool wants to keep Ibrahima Konaté:

Liverpool do not want to lose Ibrahima Konate this summer and continue to hope that he will sign a new contract before the end of this season.

Konate has been slammed by Liverpool fans on numerous occasions so far this term, with his performances suffering a clear drop-off compared to last season.

With his current contract set to expire in the summer, Liverpool chiefs remain locked in talks with Konate and his representatives over a possible new deal.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, the Reds still have no plans to lose him despite the addition of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes for next term.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Obviously, Konate’s future remains unclear with just months left on his contract and still no breakthrough in signing a new deal at Anfield. I think, obviously, his future remains unresolved, and nothing has been decided either way, it seems. Jacquet is seen as somebody for the future and Liverpool have spent big money on him. Liverpool ideally would love to see Konate stay and have Jacquet with him next season as well because they’re going to need four centre-halves.”

Bayern almost got too greedy in Zaragoza deal (Sport Bild’s Christian Falk)

In a weird story, Bayern Munich almost botched the Bryan Zaragoza loan deal with AS Roma:

✅ It is TRUE: Bayern’s demands over Bryan Zaragoza almost derailed a deal. Celta Vigo had agreed a loan deal for the forward, with the Bundesliga champions getting €1.25m [£1m]. Then there were rumours that Roma really wanted Zaragoza and were prepared to pay Celta Vigo €3m to get the loan deal. Bayern then turned around and suggested that if Roma were prepared to pay more for the loan, maybe they could get some of that fee. Everyone was then left a little frustrated by this, and it seemed like the deal could collapse under the weight of these fresh demands.

Bayern Munich then relented and said, “Okay, we won’t look for some extra money.” The buy-option, however, is now a little higher. Before, for Celta Vigo, it was set at €12m. Now it’s €13.5m, if Roma will buy Zaragoza at the end of the season. There are clauses included that would obligate Roma to pay out the buy-option, for instance, if he plays 50% of the games and Roma qualify for Europe (Europa League would be enough). So it’s a potentially good deal still for Bayern in the end.

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…