Eberl happy with versatility, flexibility of squad (Sport Bild via @iMiaSanMia)
Bayern Munich board member for sport Max Eberl knew that the squad was going to suffer some strategic losses over the summer, but likes his plan to add versatile, flexible players to help ease some of those losses.
“That was certainly our goal. Over the past two years, we have managed to reshape the squad, bring in new impulses and gradually make it stronger. We have now lost Nicolas Jackson, Leon Goretzka and Raphaël Guerreiro, but in return brought in three players in Nathaniel Brown, Ismael Saibari
and Bara Sapoko Ndiaye. We have become younger and more flexible, and have also improved in terms of speed, creativity and versatility,” said Eberl.
One the surface, it does appear as if Ismael Saibari and Nathaniel Brown offer exactly what Bayern Munich needed. However, the question of effectiveness when moving around to different positions could be raised. For Saibari, who is primarily an attacking midfielder for Bayern Munich, there are existing questions about his ability to play wing effectively, while some fans and pundits have already also taken aim at his prowess at striker.
For Brown, his performance at left-back appears to be rock solid, but his foray into the No. 10 position was met with up-and-down results on the pitch and mixed reviews off of it.
The good part for Bayern Munich is that the overall quality of the team is such that Vincent Kompany can afford to experiment a little to see what works without fearing that he will tank the season. Now, it will just be up to the players to perform in whatever role they are assigned when called upon.
But, why? (Marca)
Former Bayern Munich malcontent James Rodríguez might actually be getting another chance at being a professional footballer. This time, James could land with Avellino:
James Rodríguez is very close to joining a new team. According to MARCA, Avellino, a club in Italy’s second division managed by Nesta, is in advanced negotiations with the Colombian. James, who is currently a free agent, is in talks with the Italian club, and both parties are very close to reaching an agreement.
Has there been one successful move for James since he left Porto for Monaco? When the Colombian left Bayern Munich back in 2019, it was assumed he would just re-enter the pathway to stardom after he left the cold, barren, wasteland that is Bavaria.
Well, that didn’t happen and subsequent stops with Real Madrid, Everton, Al-Rayyan, Olympiacos, São Paulo, Rayo Vallecano, León, and Minnesota United FC all proved fruitless for everyone (except James’ bank account).
Avellino…beware!
Kofane could get new deal with Leverkusen (ESPN)
Bayer Leverkusen is going to try and get a new deal done with forward Christian Kofane:
Bayer Leverkusen are on the verge of extending the contract of Christian Kofane, who has impressed Arsenal, as reported by Kicker. They have taken the decision early and the 20-year-old striker’s new deal will run until the summer of 2031. Kofane is seen as a prime candidate for the Premier League due to his talent and profile, while he has already impressed the Gunners since the clubs faced each other in the Champions League round of 16 last term. Leverkusen believe Kofane could command a fee that exceeds €100 million.
Mudryk out for 6-8 weeks (Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano)
One-time Bayern Munich transfer target Mykhaylo Mudryk suffered an ankle injury and will be out 6-8 weeks after going on loan from Chelsea to Tottenham Hotspur:
Mudryk’s suspension for banned substances is finally over and he is right back on the sidelines.
Not good.
LFC, United eyeing NUFC’s Thiaw (Caught Offside)
Liverpool and Manchester United are both taking a look at Newcastle United defender and Germany international Malick Thiaw:
Liverpool and Manchester United are both keeping a close eye on Newcastle United defender Malick Thiaw as they assess potential defensive reinforcements for future transfer windows.
The 25-year-old Germany international has developed into an important figure at St James’ Park since arriving from AC Milan in August 2025. His Premier League adaptation, physical strength and ability to defend large spaces have made him an attractive option for two clubs that could look to strengthen at centre-back in 2027.
Sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside that Liverpool and Man United have been monitoring Thiaw’s performances, although no formal negotiations or direct talks have taken place.
Liverpool’s interest is particularly understandable given the questions surrounding their defence.
Virgil van Dijk is approaching the latter stages of his Anfield career, while Andoni Iraola will eventually need another centre-back capable of becoming a long-term starter.
Sancho has interest from two EPL clubs, plus BVB (TeamTalk)
Jadon Sancho is in limbo at the moment as he tries to sort out where he wants to play next. Borussia Dortmund is one of the options on the table:
Jadon Sancho is in talks with at least two Premier League clubs over a potential move, with fresh approaches made for the former Manchester United winger in the last week, TEAMtalk has been told.
TEAMtalk understands that two English clubs have made fresh approaches for Sancho in recent days, although their identities have not yet been disclosed.
Sancho has interest from across the world, with clubs in Turkey, the Saudi Pro League and the UAE are also keen to explore a deal for the former Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United winger.
However, a return to the Premier League remains a genuine possibility, with the latest approaches giving Sancho another avenue to consider as he weighs up his next move.
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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