Bayern Munich’s interest in Florian Wirtz may be in the past, but Uli Hoeneß still believes the midfielder would have found a better fit in Bavaria. His comments point to a familiar challenge for high-profile signings: talent alone doesn’t guarantee a player will have the same role or influence at a new club.
Hoeneß thinks Bayern would have suited Wirtz better
Speaking to Welt am Sonntag, the Bayern honorary president said he wasn’t pleased the club’s move for Wirtz had failed. Hoeneß argued that the Germany international would have performed better at Bayern than he has at Liverpool, where he joined after starring for Bayer Leverkusen.
In retrospect, are you glad that the transfer of Florian Wirtz to FC Bayern didn’t work out a little over a year ago?
Uli Hoeneß: “No. Because Florian would play much better for us than he does at Liverpool. I watch a lot of his games. They haven’t integrated him properly at all. In Leverkusen, he got every ball; in Liverpool, he’s just one among many.”
Will FC Bayern make another attempt to sign Wirtz, given his problems in England?
Hoeneß: “No. He has a long-term contract in Liverpool. They will try to integrate him better there.”
That answer closes the door on an immediate Bayern approach. Wirtz remains under a long-term Liverpool contract, and Hoeneß expects the club to improve his integration. A future move is difficult to rule out, but there’s no indication Bayern plans to pursue one now.
Kane extension could address Tottenham’s matching rights
Harry Kane’s contract discussions with Bayern could involve more than the length of a new deal. A clause in his current agreement gives Tottenham Hotspur the right to match a bid for the striker, and transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano says Bayern may seek to remove that provision.
Kane’s former club Tottenham have a confirmed clause in the current contract which means they can match any bid made for the striker.
Transfer journalist Fabrizo Romano suggested that Bayern would look at removing such clauses as they look to tie down the striker and rule out a return to the Premier League.
It remains to be seen if Tottenham are due any financial reward should Kane win the Ballon d’Or.
“It’s about the length of the contract, how many years, how to sort that clause Harry Kane had in his contract for a Premier League return, for Tottenham matching rights,” Romano recently said on his YouTube channel.
“I think it’s happening. It’s very close.”
The reported talks are close, though the final terms remain unknown. Contract duration, financial details and the treatment of Tottenham’s matching rights will determine what the extension actually settles.
Nagelsmann reportedly among Manchester United candidates
Julian Nagelsmann could be considered for Manchester United’s coaching job if the club replaces Michael Carrick, according to a report cited by ESPN. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is also named as a leading candidate.
Aston Villa’s Unai Emery and former Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann are considered top candidates for Manchester United if the club decide to replace head coach Michael Carrick. (Guardian)
Leipzig may make Nkunku loan permanent
Christopher Nkunku’s loan from AC Milan to RB Leipzig could end with a permanent move. Journalist Nicolò Schira reports that Leipzig are pleased with the forward’s performances and that Nkunku would like to stay. The club reportedly has a €28 million purchase option.
Leipzig are very satisfied with Christopher #Nkunku’s performances. The French player would like to stay at Leipzig, which have an option to buy (28M) to sign him from #ACMilan on a permanent deal. It is increasing the chance that Leipzig will trigger it at the end of the season
Barcelona reportedly admire PSG midfielder Vitinha
Barcelona are said to rate Vitinha, but no concrete approach has been made for the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder. PSG reportedly have no plans to sell the Portugal international, whose contract runs through 2029. The same report puts his valuation at about €140 million and says he is settled in Paris and focused on winning more trophies.
🚨 #PSG Barcelona are said to admire the qualities of PSG midfielder Vitinha, although no concrete approach has been made so far.
🚫 PSG reportedly have no intention of selling the Portuguese international, whose contract runs until 2029.
🔻 Vitinha is understood to be fully settled in Paris and remains committed to winning more trophies with the French champions.
💰 While the midfielder, valued at around €140 million, is currently considered untouchable by PSG.
Given PSG’s reported stance and Vitinha’s long contract, admiration alone leaves Barcelona with a steep path to a deal.
PSG enter race for Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel
Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly joined the clubs tracking Manchester United forward J.J. Gabriel, 16. ESPN, citing Diario AS, reports that Real Madrid are currently viewed as favourites, while talks about the player’s future continue between his representatives and interested European clubs.
Paris Saint-Germain have entered the race for Manchester United forward J.J. Gabriel, according to Diario AS. PSG are the latest team to show interest in the 16-year-old, but reports have indicated that Real Madrid remain the favourites to secure his signature. A final decision is yet to be made on his future as discussions continue between his representatives and clubs in Europe.
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