More stories

  • in

    Alphonso Davies ‘reaches verbal agreement’ on Bayern Munich transfer exit after ‘several meetings in recent weeks’

    ALPHONSO DAVIES has allegedly reached a “verbal agreement” to leave Bayern Munich for Real Madrid.The versatile Canadian defender, 23, left Vancouver Whitecaps for the German side back in 2018.
    Real Madrid have allegedly agreed terms with Alphonso DaviesCredit: Getty
    Since then he has become one of the top stars at the club, helping them to win five straight Bundesliga titles plus the 2020 Champions League.
    However, his contract at Bayern expires in 2025 and he now looks set to leave them to join Madrid.
    The LaLiga leaders are on the lookout for a new left-back and are believed to have made Davies their top target.
    Now The Athletic have offered an update on the transfer chase.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    They say talks have already taken place between Madrid’s chief scout Juni Calafat and director general Jose Angel Sanchez with the player’s representatives.
    And they claim that the duo have asked Davies not to extend his deal at Bayern.
    Several meetings have reportedly taken place already, including one in person earlier this month in Madrid.
    And they now claim that a verbal agreement has been reached for Davies to either join Madrid this summer or as a free agent next year.
    Most read in Bundesliga
    Meanwhile, Marca have also revealed how much it would cost Madrid to sign him at the end of this season.
    They claim that Bayern have placed a £42.75m price tag on his head.
    Bayern Munich clash temporarily suspended and players taken off pitch as fans hurl tennis balls on field
    Ferland Mendy is currently Madrid’s first-choice left-back.
    The 28-year-old French international moved to the Bernabeu in 2019 from Lyon.
    He has made over 100 appearances for Los Blancos since then but he will also become a free agent in 2025 unless he agrees to an extension. More

  • in

    Jurgen Klopp’s agent confirms manager’s plans after Liverpool exit with Bayern Munich job set to be available

    LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp plans to take a year out following his exit from the club. That’s according to his agent Marc Kosicke who told Sky Germany that the German doesn’t plan to take over any club or national team anytime soon.
    Jurgen Klopp will depart Liverpool this summerCredit: EPA
    The statement comes after Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich confirmed they will be parting ways with Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season.
    Klopp was immediately linked with replacing him.
    The Liverpool chief has already stated he has no intentions of coaching another team in England following a successful nine year spell at Anfield.
    But since the announcement in January, he has found himself linked with vacancies at Barcelona and Germany but his agent insists he is going nowhere… for now.

    Klopp’s agent Kosicke said: “Jurgen Klopp will not coach any club or national team for a year after this current season.
    “That remains unchanged.“
    With Klopp having ruled himself out of Bayern Munich job, former player and current Bayer Leverkusen manager Xavi Alonso is favourite to land the job alongside Zinedine Zidane and former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
    Ironically, the vacancy coming up at Bayern could wreck Liverpool’s plans with it understood they are keen to appoint Alonso themselves.
    Most read in Bundesliga
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    Klopp first arrived to Liverpool back in November 2015 having replaced Brendan Rodgers in the dugout.
    Klopp was able to get the team to the Europa League final a couple of months later where they lost 3-1 to Sevilla.
    Pep Guardiola breaks silence on Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp’s shock exit at end of season after Man City beat Tottenham
    Since then, he has returned the club to the top of the game, guiding them to a Champions League and Premier League trophy during his time.
    Signings including Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk have been key players during his tenure.
    Klopp has spent nine years at LiverpoolCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

  • in

    Thomas Tuchel snubs Premier League club despite soon-to-be-axed Bayern Munich boss being desperate to return to England

    THOMAS TUCHEL is not interested in managing West Ham despite being desperate for a Premier League return.The outgoing Bayern Munich boss has unfinished business with English football having been sacked by Chelsea in September 2022.
    Tuchel is not interested in taking the West Ham jobCredit: AP
    West Ham’s current boss David Moyes is out of contract at the end of this season and recent results have placed him under extra pressure.
    Some fans even want him out following a run of eight games without a win in which they have conceded 16 goals.
    Hammers’ chiefs are exploring possible options for a change of coach while remaining firmly behind Moyes for the immediate future.
    Tuchel will become a free agent in the summer after it was announced he will be leaving German champions Bayern at the end of this season.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    But sources close to the German say Tuchel will only entertain ideas to manage at the biggest clubs in England.
    Liverpool are losing head coach Jurgen Klopp this summer and with new people on the board at Manchester United, manager Erik ten Hag is facing an uncertain future.
    Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is also under pressure with his team eighth in the Premier League despite the backing of Saudi billions.
    Tuchel managed Chelsea for a year and a half from January 2021 and won the Champions League and Club World Cup before helping the club through the most turbulent period in its history.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Russia’s invasion of Ukraine forced then club owner Roman Abramovich to sell the club amid strict financial sanctions imposed by the UK government.
    Americans Todd Boehly and sidekick Behdad Eghbali bought Chelsea for just over £2 billion in May 2022 and sacked Tuchel 100 days later following a 1-0 defeat at Dinamo Zagreb.
    Watch bizarre moment Thomas Tuchel pulls down players pants
    Graham Potter, Steve Cooper and Julen Lopetegui are all names also thought to be being considered by the West Ham hierarchy. More

  • in

    Ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel desperate for Premier League return as he eyes Man Utd and Newcastle after Bayern exit

    THOMAS TUCHEL is desperate for a Premier League return.Bayern Munich on Wednesday announced former Chelsea chief Tuchel will leave the German club at the end of this season.
    Thomas Tuchel will leave Bayern at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
    Manchester United and Newcastle could both be looking for a new manager soon.
    And Tuchel — who led the Blues to the Champions League title in 2021 — would be interested.
    Tuchel was shown the exit door at Stamford Bridge in September 2022 and has told friends how much he has missed managing in England.
    The 50-year-old is leaving Bayern after a torrid spell.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    The team have lost their last three games and are eight points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen.
    Bayern will battle Liverpool for Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, who played for both clubs.
    Yet Tuchel only joined Bayern 11 months ago to replace Julian Nagelsmann and led the club to an 11th successive title.
    His contract was until 2025 but Bayern have struggled and — despite Harry Kane’s arrival — Sunday’s 3-2 loss at Bochum was another blow.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    In a dig at the players, Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said: “Every individual at the club is called upon to achieve the maximum in the Champions League and Bundesliga.
    “I particularly emphasise the responsibility of the team.”
    Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel SQUARES UP to Antonio Conte in fiery Stamford Bridge scenes
    Tuchel said: “I will leave after this season. Until then, my team and I will do everything to ensure maximum success.”
    Next up for Bayern is a tricky game against RB Leipzig on Saturday as they look to avoid making it four defeats in a row. More

  • in

    Xabi Alonso’s preference ‘revealed’ as Liverpool and Bayern Munich ‘make enquiries over Bayer Leverkusen boss

    XABI ALONSO is “more willing” to join Bayern Munich than Liverpool, according to reports.The Spanish head coach, 42, is bidding to lead Bayer Leverkusen to the first Bundesliga title in their history – with his club eight points clear of title rivals Bayern heading into the final 12 matches of the campaign.
    Xabi Alonso faces a tough decision this summerCredit: Getty
    But he is already being linked with an exit in the summer as two of Europe’s biggest clubs – both of whom he played for – circle for his signature.
    With Jurgen Klopp announcing he will leave Anfield at the end of the season, Alonso has been tipped to take over from the German.
    But Liverpool now face competition from Bayern after it was confirmed on Wednesday that boss Thomas Tuchel will depart in the summer.
    And according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, Alonso is “more willing to join Bayern Munich instead of joining Liverpool”.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    The reporter also went on to state that both clubs have “enquired” about bringing Alonso in.
    However, the ex-Spain midfielder remains focused on his job at Leverkusen.
    Alonso, who is unbeaten after 22 Bundesliga games this season, received a seal of approval from Klopp to replace him at Anfield.
    Last week, the outgoing Liverpool manager said: “Xabi is doing an incredible job.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    “If there were not the rumours around, that’s completely independent, if you had asked me eight weeks ago about Xabi Alonso, I would have gone ‘Oh my God’.
    “The dinosaurs if you want, Ancelotti, Mourinho, Guardiola, maybe me, we will not do it – OK maybe Mourinho.
    Carabao Cup Final preview with Sun Sport’s Will Pugh and Chelsea correspondent Andy Dillon
    “But all the rest of us will not do it for the next 20 years. The next generation is already there and I would say Xabi is the stand-out in that department.”
    Alonso, who in the past has referred to managing Liverpool as a “dream”, spent five seasons at the Reds, playing more than 200 games and winning both the Champions League and FA Cup.
    After five years at Real Madrid, he then joined Bayern where he claimed three Bundesliga titles and the German Cup.
    But while he has history with both Liverpool and Bayern, he could yet opt to stay at Leverkusen.
    Alonso has a contract with the Bundesliga leaders until 2025. More

  • in

    Zinedine Zidane ‘will only return to management for three jobs’ as Bayern Munich hunt new boss

    ZINEDINE ZIDANE will reportedly only return to management should three specific jobs become available.The Frenchman has been linked with the Bayern Munich post following the announcement that Thomas Tuchel will be stepping down.
    Zinedine Zidane will only manage one of three potential jobsCredit: Reuters
    Tuchel will leave Bayern at the end of the season, prompting the Bundesliga giants into a hunt for their next manager.
    Zidane, 51, along with Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso have been spoken about as potential options.
    The former Real Madrid manager has been out of work since leaving the LaLiga giants in 2021.
    During his time as Bernabeu boss, he enjoyed enormous success winning the Champions League three times and the league twice.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
    Since becoming a free agent, Zidane has been tipped with moves to Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.
    However, Sport have claimed that only three jobs would interest Zidane in returning to the dugout.
    This includes Bayern, as well as his former side Juventus and the French national team.
    An insider told the outlet: “Zinédine sees FC Bayern like Real Madrid: an institution as a club with a great past and great working conditions.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    “Both clubs have many similarities in the way they work.
    “In this respect, it was for him German record champions a topic that he never rejected.
    Zinedine Zidane cannot stop smiling as he hands Karim Benzema Ballon d’Or congratulates Real Madrid star
    “But he definitely doesn’t want to go to England, that’s for sure.
    “But if those in charge in Munich want to get him, they have to give him the sporting power and fulfill his wishes.
    “He is very ambitious and subordinates everything to success. He doesn’t want to leave anything to chance.”

    As revealed by the insider, Zidane has no interest in managing in the Premier League.
    This could rule him out as an option for Liverpool should they miss out on Alonso. More

  • in

    Bayern Munich already line up next manager after agreeing to part ways with Thomas Tuchel in summer

    XABI ALONSO is being lined up to replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich.Tuchel will leave the German giants at the end of the season after a disastrous run of fixtures.
    Thomas Tuchel is set to leave Bayern Munich at the end of seasonCredit: Reuters
    Alonso is the top managerial target for a host of top clubsCredit: Reuters
    Xabi Alonso and Thomas Tuchel embraced before their 3-0 title showdownCredit: EPA
    The German’s long-term position became untenable following three consecutive defeats – a first for Bayern since the Pep Guardiola days of 2015.
    His side was dismantled 3-0 by Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen last week, which threatened to end their 11-year reign as Bundesliga champions.
    They were then beaten 1-0 by Lazio in the Champions League last-16 first leg in Rome.
    The pressure increased on Tuchel after Sunday’s 3-2 loss at bottom-half Bochum left his side eight points behind Alonso’s Bundesliga leaders.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
    Alonso is now understood to be Bayern’s top candidate to take over in the summer.
    Facing a first trophyless season in 12 years, Bayern’s primary plan was to reach the end of the campaign with Tuchel and assess the situation.
    But it was confirmed on Wednesday that Tuchel will in fact leave at the end of this campaign.
    The former Chelsea boss said: “We have agreed that we will end our working relationship at the end of this season.”
    Most read in Bundesliga
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    In 44 matches as manager so far, he has won 28, drawn five and lost 11.
    Leon Goretzka has compared Bayern’s recent downturn “a horror movie that doesn’t stop.”
    Alonso,42,is in cruise control at the top of the league and is unbeaten in all competitions.
    The German giants will have to fight off some serious competition from Liverpool in order to employ his services.
    The Spaniard was tipped to replace Jurgen Klopp after the Reds manager dropped the bombshell that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season. 
    Leverkusen chief Simon Rolfes claims he is “sure” Alonso will stay with the club despite interest from both sides.
    If they fail to nab Alonso, Bayern will consider three-time Champions League winner Zinedine Zidane.
    Meanwhile, rumours swirled that former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could come in as interim boss. More

  • in

    Fans say ‘it’s not April 1 yet’ as Bayern Munich line up sensational move for Man Utd legend Solskjaer amid horror form

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is being lined up as a sensational replacement for Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich.Tuchel finds himself under immense pressure at the Allianz Arena following three defeats in a row.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a shock target for Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
    Thomas Tuchel is feeling the heat at the Allianz ArenaCredit: Getty
    Harry Kane is at serious risk of remaining trophylessCredit: AP
    That sees the reigning Bundesliga champions at serious risk of an early Champions League exit and eight points off Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen.
    Sky Sport Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg was first to claim Bayern are weighing up a stunning move for Solskjaer to take over as interim boss.
    And SunSport understands the legendary Manchester United striker – and somewhat underwhelming boss – is indeed being eyed by the German giants.
    Bayern remain unlikely to sack Tuchel before the end of the season.
    But should results fail to improve, and the Bavarian bosses ditch the Champions League-winning Chelsea boss, Solskjaer would be in contention to take over as interim chief.
    Zinedine Zidane is also linked with the job but Liverpool-target Xabi Alonso remains the preferred candidate as he works wonders at Leverkusen.
    But the news about Solskjaer understandably left fans utterly baffled.
    One joked: “It’s not April 1st yet…”
    Most read in Bundesliga
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Another wrote: “Please no.”
    A third added: “Noooo. You have to be on the wind-up? Surely not?”
    Thomas Tuchel fumes at Bundesliga rule after Bayern Munich’s defeat to Bayer Leverkusen
    But a final user quipped: “Fans are going to be in for a shock when they realise that Mr ‘Just Vibes’ is actually a top-drawer head coach and man-motivator. Would be a great appointment.”
    Solskjaer, 50, permanently etched his name into Manchester United history when he scored the epic 93rd-minute winner in the Champions League final… against Bayern.
    He retired from his playing days in 2007 before stepping into coaching, initially with the Red Devils academy before two successful stints at former club Molde either side of a dreary spell with Cardiff.
    The Norwegian was given the United gig in 2018, initially as an interim boss to replace Jose Mourinho.
    After a flying start, Solskjaer got the job on a permanent basis and proved a unifying presence at Old Trafford, guiding United to second in the Premier League in 2021/22.
    However, things soon turned sour and he was sacked in November 2022 following a 4-1 loss to Watford, with the club having lost five of their opening 12 games.
    The ex-striker has been out of work ever since.
    But he revealed this month he is ready to return to management – and was open to working in a new country.
    He said: “I’ve got at least one club job in me. It has to be an interesting one, somewhere, an adventure, somewhere, I can be myself.
    “No disrespect, but after you’ve managed Manchester United for three years, it’s like, where do you go?
    “I want to feel that pressure again. You know, when you see the games, you miss it.

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s managerial careerRECORD
    Molde – Nov 2010 to Jan 2014 – P 126, W 69, D 26, L 31, Win % 54.76Cardiff City – Jan 2014 to Sep 2014 – P 30, W 9, D 5, L 16, Win % 30.00Molde – Oct 2015 to Dec 2018 – P 118, W 66, D 19, L 33, Win % 55.93Man Utd – Dec 2018 to Nov 2021 – P 168, W 91, D 37, L 40, Win % 54.17Total – P 442, W 235, D 87, L 120, Win % 53.17
    TROPHIES
    Molde

    Tippeligaen: 2011, 2012
    Norwegian Football Cup: 2013

    Man Utd

    UEFA Europa League runner-up: 2020–21
    Premier League Manager of the Month: Jan 2019

    “I’ve had offers. Most recently, two from Saudi Arabia.
    If you’ve managed Man Utd, you put your own criteria about what you want to work with. I love England and the Premier League.
    “Even the Championship feels stronger than ever, but I don’t feel bound to England. Maybe a different challenge where I need to experience a new culture and learn a new language.”
    Bayern suffered embarrassment earlier in the season when they were dumped out of the DFB-Pokal Cup by third-tier FC Saarbrucken.
    Tuchel’s men flew through their Champions League group with five wins and a draw – including the double over United – to top their group.
    🚨🇳🇴 Solskjaer on the ’99 final: “I never watched the whole game. I watched the 15 minutes after I came on once. But I saw that goal a million times.” #MUFCpic.twitter.com/dJh1XRgE83— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) May 13, 2023

    But their form has fallen off a cliff in recent weeks, with a crushing defeat to Xabi Alonso’s surprise title challengers Bayer before the first-leg last-16 loss at Lazio.
    Now the likes of Harry Kane, Eric Dier, Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane – all former Premier League stars – as well as Bayern heroes Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller and Joshua Kimmich are at risk of seeing their 2023 title-winning manager sacked.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    And that could extraordinarily lead to the incredible temporary appointment of Solskjaer.
    However, Jose Mourinho, Hansi Flick and Roberto De Zerbi are also among the early contenders to take over in the Bayern dugout should Tuchel go.
    Solskjaer famously broke Bayern hearts in the 1999 Champions League finalCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    The goal etched the Norwegian’s name into Manchester United historyCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    Xabi Alonso could be another option to replace TuchelCredit: AP
    Zinedine Zidane could be another man on the shortlistCredit: AP:Associated Press More