More stories

  • in

    Bayern Munich to hand 17-year-old England sensation Jamal Musiala new three-year contract extension

    BAYERN MUNICH are close to tying teenage sensation Jamal Musiala to a new contract, according to reports in Germany.
    Liverpool have been linked with the attacking midfielder, who is enjoying a stunning breakout season in Bavaria.

    Jamal Musiala is reportedly nearing a new deal at Bayern MunichCredit: AFP

    According to Sky Germany, talks are progressing well on extending Musiala’s contract from 2022 to 2025.
    The bulk of negotiations are said to have been completed with only a few minor details left to thrash out.
    And Bayern hope to see the youngster put pen to paper on his 18th birthday, at the end of February.
    Signing up Musiala for another three years would be the European champions’ latest boost in building a side that can dominate for years to come.

    As the Bundesliga winners in each of the last eight years, they beat Paris Saint-Germain in June to claim their first Champions League since 2013.
    Musiala, 17, made his debut last campaign and has made a considerable mark in 2020-21.
    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

    Musiala bagged his first England U21s goal in NovemberCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

    In 16 appearances, four of which have been starts, he has netted three goals including a fine strike in the thrilling 3-3 draw with RB Leipzig last month.

    Born in Stuttgart, Musiala moved with his German mother and Brit-Nigerian father to England at the age of seven.
    He spent time in Chelsea’s academy before returning to the country of his birth with Bayern in 2019.
    England have moved quickly to include the talent in the Three Lions setup.
    Gareth Southgate is reportedly eyeing Musiala for a speedy call-up to the senior side, following in the footsteps of fellow Bundesliga prospect Jude Bellingham.
    In November, he made his debut for England Under-21s and scored in a 5-0 win over Albania.

    Jamal is highly valued by our players because he’s very calm on the ball and has a lot of quality on it.
    Hansi Flick

    Bayern boss Hansi Flick has described Musiala’s popularity in the Munich dressing room, as a player with impeccable technique and composure.
    He said: “Jamal plays in Munich in a team packed with top players.
    “He’s highly valued by these players too because he’s very calm on the ball and has a lot of quality on it.
    “In one-on-one situations he’s difficult to stop as well.”

    Watch ex-Chelsea wonderkid Jamal Musiala become second youngest goalscorer in Germany’s third tier with brace for Bayern Munich II vs FSV Zwickau More

  • in

    Chelsea and Man Utd transfer blow as Real Madrid ‘win race’ to sign Alaba with Bayern star available for free in summer

    REAL MADRID have beaten off their competition to sign David Alaba because Barcelona cannot afford him, reports say.
    The Bayern Munich defender is available on a free transfer this summer, sparking interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Barca.

    Real Madrid have beaten off their competition to sign David Alaba, reports sayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    LaLiga champions Madrid have won the race to sign him, according to Marca,
    It is understood the Austrian’s agent offered his services to several top clubs.
    Barcelona were keen on the 28-year-old but have reportedly pulled out the race because they cannot afford his wages.
    Alaba is after a four-year deal worth around £9million-per-year and the Catalans realised they cannot afford that as a result of the financial implications of coronavirus.

    Barca’s income is said to have dropped by £231m in 2020 which will see them pursue Manchester City’s Eric Garcia instead.
    Alaba will leave Bayern Munich in the summer after he refused to extend his contract.
    He has made 19 appearances so far this season, but mostly at centre-back.
    It comes as he lost his traditional left-back role to rising star Alphonso Davies, 20.

    But Alaba is equally capable playing centrally, in midfield or defence.
    The defender has scored 32 goals and provided 49 assists for Bayern since being promoted to the first-team in 2010.
    Chairman and chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitted the club tried their best to extend Alaba’s stay.
    Speaking in December, he said: “Bayern did everything we could to try and reach an agreement.
    “We had a lot of conversations, but we wanted answers from him by the end of October.
    “This didn’t happen and I don’t know if we’ll return to the negotiations.
    “What I want to be clear about is that our offer showed exactly how much we value him.
    “But he didn’t accept it. He’s free to speak to whoever he wants from January 1.”

    David Alaba demonstrates his home workout for Bayern Munich fans More

  • in

    Bayern Munich ‘keen on shock Frenkie de Jong transfer’ and looking to take advantage of Barcelona’s financial problems

    BAYERN MUNICH are monitoring Frenkie de Jong amid Barcelona’s financial crisis, according to reports.
    The Dutchman caught the eye of the Bundesliga side during his rise at Ajax, which led to a £68million switch to the Camp Nou.

    Frenkie de Jong is seen as a major asset for Barcelona’s short and long-term futureCredit: Reuters

    According to ESPN, a speculative offer of £65m was floated by Bayern during the summer, only to be rebuffed by Barcelona.
    The German giants were said to be testing the water during their rivals’ economic turmoil.
    Stars including Luis Suarez and Arturo Vidal were sold as the coronavirus pandemic bit on a club with a notoriously high wage bill.
    Two round of pay cuts have been agreed in the past nine months, the latest coming in November and totalling £110m.

    De Jong signed a new contract a month earlier, extending his deal to 2026, which reportedly included a 30 per cent wage deferral.
    Despite their interest, Bayern are described as highly unlikely to pull off a deal to sign the 23-year-old in January.

    The midfielder is one of the key talents Barcelona are determined to hold onto as they come through this crisis.
    Reserve goalkeeper Neto and defender Junior Firpo are named as two players up for sale when the window opens, with Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho available for the right price.

    In any case, the Blaugrana’s transfer plans may change drastically when a new club president is elected on January 24.

    Former chief Joan Laporta is the frontrunner to re-take the helm – and the 58-year-old set up a huge billboard on a huge billboard on the streets of Madrid on Tuesday.
    The banner declared his hope that he sees Real Madrid fans soon, in a clear sign of his confidence at not only reclaiming the presidency but also shooting Barcelona up the table.
    Ronald Koeman’s side sit eighth before the midweek visit of first-placed Real Sociedad.

    Roughly 200m from Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium, you can see a banner of Joan Laporta’s presidency campaign.Laporta shared the picture with a “Hello Madrid” caption. pic.twitter.com/NYk1RMgJ2Y
    — Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) December 15, 2020

    Frenkie de Jong shows off his shooting skills in Barcelona training More

  • in

    Man Utd transfer blow with Bayern Munich in pole position for Dayot Upamecano ahead of £38m release clause activation

    MANCHESTER UNITED were dealt a blow in their pursuit of Dayot Upamecano as reports suggest Bayern Munich are in pole position to land the defender.
    The Athletic reports Champions League winners Bayern are now in the driving seat over the Red Devils in the hunt for the highly rated RB Leipzig centre-back.

    Bayern Munich are reportedly in pole position to sign Dayot UpamecanoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Upamecano, 22, has a £38million release clause in his contract that can be activated at the end of the season.
    The report states the French defender is keen to secure an agreement with one of the European giants chasing him sooner rather than later.
    Upamecano caught the eye with some outstanding displays last season as Leipzig made the Champions League semi-final.
    And the player is thought to want to tie down his future to improve his international prospects with France playing in World Cup qualifiers in March before the delayed Euro 2020 tournament next summer.

    For the calibre of player, the price point of just under £40m for Upamecano is a snip and has got a number of clubs interested.
    He has been regularly linked with United who are looking to bolster their options in the heart of defence.
    Liverpool have also been suggested as a potential destination as Jurgen Klopp needs reinforcements for his injury-ravaged squad with Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez long-term absentees.
    But with experienced duo David Alaba and Jerome Boateng set to leave the Allianz Arena in the summer, Bayern appear to have upped the ante in the race to secure Upamecano’s signature.

    The report states that Upamecano is no longer a key priority target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side and that they have ‘cooled’ their interest.
    Bayern were also previously interested in Upamecano but were put off by a higher price and did not need to strengthen at the back.
    Upamecano has made 16 appearances for Leipzig this season and has flourished in the Bundesliga under the management of Julian Nagelsmann.
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

    Solskjaer looking forward to seeing Man Utd transfer target Dayot Upamecano ‘close up’ in RB Leipzig clash More

  • in

    Bayern Munich star Javi Martinez ready to ‘try something new’ after deal expires at end of season

    BAYERN MUNICH star Javi Martinez has sparked speculation over his future by revealing he wants to ‘try something new’.
    The Spanish international, 32, moved to the German giants back in 2012.

    Bayern’s Javi Martinez is ready to ‘try something new’ after his deal expiresCredit: Getty

    After looking set to leave last summer after losing his starting place, he opted to stay another campaign following talks with coach Hansi Flick.
    Martinez helped Bayern to both the Bundesliga title and Champions League this year.
    However, despite targeting both again, he admits it looks unlikely he will still be there past June when his contract expires.
    However, he refused to discuss potential new clubs ahead of the Champions League clash at Atletico Madrid tonight.

    He said: “This is not the moment to discuss what will happen in June 2021.
    “Anything can happen.
    “I had great years here and we will see what happens.”
    Martinez added: “I would like to try something new, no matter where, but something new before I end my career.

    The best available free agents still on the market

    “The contract says it is the last year.
    “I am happy to be here now and I am part of the team and that is what is important.”
    Martinez has enjoyed huge success since his switch to Germany.
    He has lifted the Bundesliga eight times and the Champions League twice.
    And he also has five German Cup medals plus a Club World Cup gong on his impressive CV.

    Atletico Madrid vs Bayern Munich free live stream, TV Channel and kick off time for Champions League match More

  • in

    Chelsea to ‘start talks with David Alaba’ over free transfer in January with defender set to quit Bayern Munich

    CHELSEA are reportedly to open talks with Bayern Munich star David Alaba in the New Year.
    The Bundesliga giants have taken the offer of a new contract off the table ahead of his deal expiring in the summer.

    David Alaba remains a first-choice pick for Bayern Munich amid his contract sagaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Alaba, 28, can negotiate a pre-agreement with any club in January, setting up a free transfer at the end of his Bayern stay.
    Chelsea are set to be at the front of the queue in negotiating a deal, according to Bild.
    The involvement of agent Pini Zahavi, who has helped Roman Abramovich’s club seal many transfers in the past, is said to help the Blues’ case.
    ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

    Several rivals have been linked with the Austrian, including Liverpool and Manchester City.
    This report highlights Paris Saint-Germain’s interest but Alaba is thought to not fancy a move to France.
    Real Madrid and Barcelona have also been mentioned in reports yet the LaLiga duo are described as unable to afford the defender.
    Alaba fell out with Bayern after the lack of movement in contract talks was confirmed by the club.

    Club president Herbert Hainer said earlier this month that an offer was ‘no longer’ on the table after a ‘very good’ figure was deemed ‘unsatisfactory’ by the player’s camp.

    Reports have suggested Zahavi wants an £18million fee for cutting a deal, leading to a furious response by one former Bayern chief.
    Ex-president Uli Hoeness declared: “[Alaba] has a greedy piranha for an agent. His father, whom I like a lot, is letting himself be influenced by him very much.”
    Alaba has denied the sort of figures being quoted in talks and continues to be a first-choice pick for coach Hansi Flick.
    He stated: “I cannot say how it will continue from this point. I am glad to be playing for Bayern and to be a part of the team.

    “But what the future will look like after yesterday evening I just cannot say, as no one has talked to me officially.
    “I can completely understand the fans [being hurt]. I wish internal stuff would stay internal.
    “The numbers out there do not correspond to reality and I am a bit disappointed and sad that the club never officially came out to say they are wrong.
    “I have not made any thoughts about my future because Bayern was always the first point of contact. I had no contact with other clubs for that reason.” More

  • in

    Liverpool set to be beaten to David Alaba transfer by Juventus as Reds desperately seek cover for Van Dijk and Gomez

    JUVENTUS are pushing hard to sign Liverpool and Manchester City target David Alaba, according to reports in Italy.
    The Bayern Munich defender is out of contact in June and appears to be heading to the Allianz Arena exit door.

    David Alaba netted in Bayern Munich’s recent win over Borussia DortmundCredit: EPA

    According to Tuttosport, Juve are very keen on the Austrian as a replacement for 36-year-old star Giorgio Chiellini.
    Andrea Pirlo is intent on signing a centre-back for the left side of a defensive partnership, with left-footed Alaba a convincing option.
    The Austrian, 28, has been a star of Bundesliga since breaking out at Bayern in 2011.
    An extremely versatile player, Alaba started out as a midfielder before moving to left-back.

    But all ten of his appearances this campaign have been in central defence, a position he has taken up since Alphonso Davies’ emergence.
    Real Madrid and Manchester City are also named by the Italian media as interested in Alaba.

    What Liverpool are missing during Virgil van Dijk’s absence
    Pep Guardiola added Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias to his squad in the summer, having suffered from a defensive injury crisis last season.
    This time around, it is Liverpool who are struggling with a number of stars out of action.

    Virgil van Dijk is not expected to play again this season following his Merseyside Derby tangle with Jordan Pickford.

    The Reds hope to have Joe Gomez back by the spring while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fabinho are out for a few weeks.
    Also linked to the Premier League champions are Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly and Olympiacos bad boy Ruben Semedo.
    Meanwhile, Juventus are said to be keen on Diego Carlos of Sevilla and Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic if Alaba does not arrive.

    Bayern Munich’s David Alaba show the best way to stay active with his fitness regime More

  • in

    Arsenal and Chelsea in battle to land Jerome Boateng on free transfer as Bayern ‘refuse to offer him new deal’

    ARSENAL and Chelsea are in a battle to sign Jerome Boateng on a free transfer, according to reports.
    And London rivals Tottenham may join the chase for the German defender.

    ⚠️ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

    Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham may all make moves to try and sign Jerome Boateng on a free transferCredit: Reuters
    According to Sport Bild in Germany, Bayern Munich will refuse to offer Boateng a new deal.
    The former Manchester City man, 32, is out of contract at the end of the season.
    That means he can enter negotiations with European clubs over a pre-contract agreement to move in the summer.

    Boateng came through at Hertha Berlin before three years at Hamburg and then joined Manchester City.
    After a season at the Etihad, he returned to his homeland by signing for Bayern in 2011.
    The centre-back has 333 appearances, eight Bundesligas, two Champions Leagues and a Club World Cup for the Bavarians.
    Boateng and Niklas Sule have battled it out to partner David Alaba – also in the final year of his deal – at the heart of Hans-Dieter Flick’s side so far this term.

    But Premier League sides may look to bring the experienced defender back to England next summer despite strong starts defensively to the season.

    Boateng has been heavily involved for the European champions at the start of this seasonCredit: EPA

    Caballero and Cech are the oldest players in the Premier League

    Chelsea and Arsenal have conceded ten while Spurs have shipped a league-best nine along with Manchester City, Wolves, Aston Villa and leaders Leicester.
    Sokratis, David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi all have their contracts expiring next summer.
    So even though Mikel Arteta will have the likes of Gabriel, William Saliba and Pablo Mari at his disposal, the Arsenal boss could benefit from the addition of Boateng.
    Chelsea landed veteran Thiago Silva for nothing this summer and are already reaping the benefits with his commanding performances at the back.
    Frank Lampard may be tempted by a similar signing if Silva continues to be a success.
    At Tottenham, Jose Mourinho saw one experienced defender leave in Jan Vertonghen.
    Joe Rodon did come in from Swansea but so far the Special One has generally opted for Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld at the back.

    Jerome Boateng scores pair of wonder goals for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga More