Sami Khedira reportedly signed a pre-contract with Bayern Munich, even though that's completely illegal

Okay, lets get the facts out in the open ala this Sami Khedira and Bayern Munich story that's floating around the airwaves.

A radio host by the name of José Ramón de la Morena, the lead on Cadena Ser's El Larguero radio show, claimed last night that Sami Khedira had signed a pre-contract with Bayern Munich and wouldn't be staying with Real Madrid. Naturally, because it involves Real Madrid and Bayern Munich and click-baiting is easy, every tabloid ran with it.

It's even easier to run with that particular rumor and sell it like hot cakes given the injury to Philipp Lahm on Tuesday. Which, isn't that convenient timing?

First things first, it's completely illegal for Sami Khedira to sign a pre-contract with Bayern Munich or for Bayern Munich to negotiate with Sami Khedira while he's under contract with Real Madrid. At least not until 6 months prior to his contract expiring. I'd be willing to bet that most clubs kind of fudge the line on the last line, but the fact remains that Bayern can't approach Khedira with a pre-contract or they face a legal response from Real Madrid.

Given that Madrid actually seem keen to hold on to Khedira, even offering him a contract renewal last season, it's probably a safe assumption that Bayern Munich showing up now with a suitcase full of euros would go over like a lead balloon with Madrid lawyers. Then comes the actual response from Bayern Munich's press officer Markus Horwick who in no uncertain terms said it was complete crock. Hey, that was fun while it lasted.

It's easy to see why it's an easy rumor to sell. Sami Khedira is one of the better midfielders in the world and has a long standing rapport with Bastian Schweinsteiger and his fellow German national team compatriots. Furthermore his relationship with Xabi Alonso can be used as a selling point. Khedira would even be a fantastic player to add to Bayern Munich; if they didn't already have 8 billion central midfielders. Maybe in January, there will be something real to report.