Leno open to Bayern move (Tz’s Johannes Ohr via @iMiaSanMia)
On Tuesday, we saw a story break that Bayern Munich might have interest in Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno. As it turns out, Leno might be all good with a move to Bavaria as well:
Bernd Leno can definitely imagine a move to FC Bayern, should he receive an offer from Munich. The 34-year old wouldn’t be averse to a backup role behind Jonas Urbig. Fulham have a unilateral option to extend Leno’s contract by one year until 2028 – but even then, he wouldn’t be expensive. Finn Dahmen is another name on Bayern’s
list – however, the 28-year old is unlikely to be keen on a permanent bench role.
Leno would not be a bad option to backup Urbig — if the veteran goalkeeper is okay with accepting a mentorship role. If Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich both leave after this season, having an experienced presence on the roster would be welcomed.
One name to keep an eye on if Bayern Munich decides to go with an older player for the backup role is Stefan Ortega, whose contract with Olympiacos expires next July.
Real, Barca would love to make big swoop on City’s Haaland, Sullivan (ESPN)
Philadelphia Union and USMNT star Cavan Sullivan is not too far removed from burning up defenders in youth soccer at various fields in the greater Philly area — and now he is being mentioned alongside Erling Haaland in transfer rumors by ESPN.
Life is wild.
Anyway, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are both hoping to take advantage of any sanctions that hit Manchester City:
Real Madrid and Barcelona are looking at Manchester City striker Erling Haaland due to uncertainty created by the case surrounding City’s financial rule breaches, according to The Sun. A potential points deduction severe enough to cause relegation could raise major questions over the future of key players, including Haaland, who currently has around eight years remaining on his contract. Sport also reports the situation could cast doubt on Cavan Sullivan’s move to the Etihad, with the 16-year-old USMNT and Philadelphia Union midfielder having agreed to a transfer when he turns 18. Barcelona and Real Madrid are once again the two clubs linked.
Kim’s suitor list revealed (Sport Bild’s Christian Falk)
If Bayern Munich is going to consider a sale of center-back Kim Min-jae, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, and AC Milan would all be interested:
I can say it’s still true that Bayern Munich will be the first club he opens any kind of talks with. But it will depend on a number of things, like what Bayern are offering this Autumn when they open talks over his future? Will they say Min-jae Kim can sign a new contract? Or is he still one of the players the club would consider selling to bring in some money? This is why other clubs have Kim in their focus. Aston Villa is interested, and I heard both Tottenham and AC Milan are also looking at the South Korean international. In fact, the three clubs in question already made contact in the summer for Kim, but in the end there was no offer. So, nothing concrete at the moment. I wouldn’t expect a January move or anything. Everything will depend on what Bayern Munich will tell Kim in contract talks this year.
For now, it seems like Bayern Munich is planning to talk to Kim about a contract extension. With his current deal expiring in 2028, the Bavarians will have to begin talks with the defender within the next six months about a potential extension.
The sticking point for both parties will probably be the salary. Bayern Munich will want Kim to take a pay cut for his reduced role, but the South Korean will likely want to maximize his earnings potential for what might be his final big contract.
Maza on the move? (ESPN)
There seem to be a lot of rumors linking Ibrahim Maza to a move away from Bayer Leverkusen. This one links the 20-year-old to Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Aston Villa:
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have stepped up their interest in Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Ibrahim Maza, TEAMtalk reports. Chelsea, Manchester City, and Aston Villa are also attentively monitoring the 20-year-old, whose versatility and technical quality have made him one of the most highly regarded talents in the Bundesliga.
Good for him (AbsoluteMxssi)
If Hansi Flick wants to hit the amusement park for some fun, good for him:
If Flick is still reading the Daily Schmankerl (why wouldn’t he be?), he should make the trek to Hersheypark at some point. That seems like it would be right up Flick’s alley.
Inter eyeing Richards? (ESPN)
Inter Milan is reportedly monitoring former Bayern Munich defender and current Crystal Palace star Chris Richards:
Internazionale are eyeing a January move for USMNT and Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards, according to Tuttosport. Inter scouts have been tracking the 26-year-old, who operates on the right side of Palace’s back three, as part of the club’s plan to bring in free agents. Richards’ contract expires in 2027 and he could bolster a defense already containing new arrivals Djed Spence and John Stones.
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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