Bayern taking a look at Baena (Spurs Web)
While Bayern Munich was gutting out a 2-0 victory over Atlético Madrid, the club’s scouts might have been pulling double duty — taking a close look at Álex Baena, who is just the kind of versatile attacker who would be appealing in January:
It first emerged in October that Spurs are exploring a move for Alex Baena, who has had an excellent start to the season for Atletico Madrid.
The versatile forward’s preferred position is left-wing, but he can also operate as a 10 or a makeshift nine. Following
his impressive showing at the World Cup, he has made a big impact in the Spanish capital.
TEAMtalk reveal that Bayern Munich are the other side to have shown ‘serious interest’ in the former Villarreal man, with the German club already said to have made ‘initial movements’ towards the player in light of their injuries in attack.
However, it is revealed that Atletico are unwilling to sanction a mid-season sale of Baena, who has now established himself as a key cog in their attack.
To give the report some validity, you can go back to January of 2025 when Baena was at Villarreal. At that point, Bayern Munich was scouting him as well.
There is likely zero chance that Baena will be made available in January, given how important he appears to be for Atlético Madrid. If the rumor is indeed true that Bayern Munich was scouting Baena, it could mean—at a minimum—that the Bavarians are taking a look at adding a player in the winter. That, of course, has been a taboo topic at Säbener Straße.
Arsenal still wants Endrick (ESPN)
Arsenal is still trying to sort out a way to get Real Madrid attacker Endrick:
Arsenal are interested in a loan move for Real Madrid striker Endrick in January, says TEAMtalk. The Gunners already have Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres up front, but have struggled to score goals this season and the versatile Brazil international, 20, has not had many minutes under Jose Mourinho this season. Mourinho is reported to want Endrick to stay, but his representatives are exploring options for a move.
Ballack’s second gig causing him problems? (Bild via @iMiaSanMia)
Michael Ballack is taking some heat for his dual role as an agent and a pundit:
Michael Ballack’s dual role as a player agent and a TV pundit, in which he simultaneously comments on a player represented by his own agency, is increasingly being viewed critically behind the scenes in the football industry. There’s also growing unease about the situation at Bayern. The club’s officials are said to have been surprised by the severity of Ballack’s recent criticism of Hoeneß and Eberl regarding his client Lennart Karl.
From Ballack’s perspective, he defended Karl in his capacity as his agent, deliberately choosing not to do so live on air as a pundit on DAZN. He simply chose the broadcaster as the platform to make his comments, but could just as easily have used any other media outlet. The former Germany captain had criticised Hoeneß’ public reprimand of Karl.
A DAZN spokesperson told BILD: “Michael Ballack has been a highly valued DAZN pundit for many years. His clear assessments are an extremely important part of our football coverage. His role as Lennart Karl’s agent is publicly known. From our perspective, the two roles are compatible. We have complete confidence in Michael Ballack’s integrity and are convinced that he applies the same standards in his assessments, regardless of personal connections.” [@BILD]
Is it a coincidence that Ballack took Bayern Munich to task over discussions about Lennart Karl’s slump and life off the field? Maybe… but probably not.
It is not the worst arrangement in the world for Ballack (double pay!), but it could be something that eventually becomes an issue if Ballack gets a little brazen. For now, though, it seems like the conflict of interest is somewhat minimal.
Eintracht seeking to hold on to at least one player (Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg)
Believe it or not, there is a young player whom Eintracht Frankfurt wants to keep—attacking midfielder Niko Iličević:
🚨🆕 As soon as 16 y/o gem Niko Ilicevic turns 18, his contract will automatically convert into a professional deal valid until at least 2031.
There is NO release clause. His family would have liked one, but Markus Krösche refused to include it during the contract extension.
Ilicevic is the youngest player in Bundesliga history alongside Youssoufa Moukoko.
Despite extremely lucrative offers from top clubs, Ilicevic is planning to stay at Eintracht Frankfurt. #SGE @SkySportDE
Bayern, Leipzig looking at Herrington? (Fußball News journalist Ekrem Konur)
Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig are reportedly looking at Hull City defender Lucas Herrington:
🚨 #HullCity Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig have been closely monitoring Lucas Herrington throughout the season.
📈 The 19-year-old Australian-German defender continues to attract strong interest, with Barcelona also maintaining their admiration for the youngster.
🌍 Liverpool, Manchester United, Everton and Newcastle United have all tracked his progress, while BlueCo and City Football Group are also keeping an eye on his development.
💰 Under contract until 2031, Herrington has emerged as one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe.
Barca not tinkering with Gavi sale (Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano via ESPN)
FC Barcelona is not thinking about a sale of Gavi at this point (any weird rumors to the contrary are likely nonsense):
Barcelona have no plans to let midfielder Gavi leave, with head coach Hansi Flick viewing the 22-year-old as an important part of his long-term plans despite his limited starts this season.
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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