Bayern Munich is ready to plop down €100M for Ousmane Dembele (Don Balolol)
Bayern has not really spent any significant money during this window, yet our friends at Don Balon think the Bavarians are going to drop €100M on former Borussia Dortmund malcontent and current FC Barcelona man, Ousmane Dembele.
There is a lot of talk about the PSG proposal for Dembélé to change the air, but the Frenchman has an ace up his sleeve. And there is another big willing to put a lot of money on the table. It’s about Bayern Munich. The Bavarian team has barely moved on the market, and is looking for Robben’s replacement. Dembélé likes it. And a lot.
Per a report by The Express, Dembele is up to his old antics and initiating some drama in the locker room:
Dembele feels threatened by the arrival of Malcom, who recently was stolen from under the nose of Roma. The Brazilian plays in a similar position to his new Barcelona team-mate, which led to increased speculation surrounding Dembele’s future. The former Borussia Dortmund star has been told he still has a role to play at the club this term. But after winning the World Cup this summer, Dembele wants fresh assurances that he will definitely be given the opportunity to prove himself. The youngster refused to cut his post-World Cup holiday short to return to Barcelona, despite the club featuring in the Spanish Super Cup this weekend.
When I think about Alphonso Davies at his price (reportedly €18.75M), I’d much rather have the Canadian than get Dembele, let alone having to pay a whopping €100M for the Frenchman. Dembele doesn’t seem to be happy anywhere he lands. Why would that change in Munich? All that said, this did originate from The Don, so well, you know.
Could Schalke’s prodigal son return home? (@dw_sports)
Julian Draxler spent the majority of his youth and senior team career with Schalke 04. With playing time at Paris Saint-Germain likely to be a struggle, could the German international return find his way back to Veltins-Arena?
F.C Shalke reportedly made contact with Julian Draxler for a possible return, sources say. Should the German winger consider the #Bundesliga as a transfer destination? pic.twitter.com/V6ZcK5Bbz0
— DW Sports (@dw_sports) August 11, 2018
With Thilo Kehrer reportedly joining PSG from Schalke today, we at least know the clubs have an open line of communication. Draxler returning to Schalke would be excellent for him and great for the Bundesliga. Schalke is among the teams capable of putting a challenge on Bayern this season and Draxler would only make them better. A good, strong Bundesliga is good for everyone, so make it happen Schalke.
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen would be honored to be captain at FC Barcelona (Marca)
When Andres Iniesta exited Barca, the squad was left looking for someone to fill a leadership role. One player who would embrace wearing the arm band is German international and Die Mannschaft back-up to Manuel Neuer, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen. As Ter Stegen told Marca, the captaincy would be a privilege:
It’s something that the squad will decide, but it’s an honor that my name is being talked about for the captaincy position. It would be an honor to be one of the captains, of course it would. But for me it’s not the most important thing. We need more than four captains.
Ter Stegen has the unenviable role of being one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but only the second best in his own country. That experience, however, has probably helped him form how he interacts with his own backup at Barcelona, Jasper Cillessen:
His future depends on him. I think it’s a personal thing. I understand that he wants to play more, but I also want to be the No.1 here and to play everything. Everyone knows that, he knows that and the club knows that.
Ter Stegen then tackled the aforementioned elephant in the room; taking a back seat to Neuer during Germany’s disastrous World Cup run:
If you have a season like I had then you go to the World Cup with excitement and ambition to play. However, there’s a need to respect the coach’s criteria. It was tough, that’s true. But I was there to support the team and I did it 100 percent. It was a shame that we couldn’t get to the last 16 and we’ll try to have more success in four years. I was very keen to come back [to club football]. I am keen to achieve something good for this team, as we are hungry for success. We’ll try to fight for everything.
Kevin Trapp linked to Carlo Ancelotti and Napoli (Football Italia)
Speaking of German backups, PSG goalkeeper and “off-the-field extraordinaire” Kevin Trapp may be headed away from Paris to join Carlo Ancelotti at Napoli.
Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Kevin Trapp is the latest candidate for the Napoli gloves, on loan with option to buy. The Partenopei are scrambling for a reliable shot-stopper, as summer signing Alex Meret fractured a bone in his arm during training and will be out until at least September. Eager not to step on Meret’s toes for the future, they would prefer a more experienced player on loan with option to buy at the end of the season. This has proved a problem for Standard Liege with Guillermo Ochoa, Liverpool’s Simon Mignolet and Michel Vorm at Sunderland. According to Tuttosport, the newest option is Trapp, who is currently third in line at Paris Saint-Germain behind Alphonse Areola and Gianluigi Buffon.
The up-to-date list of Bundesliga captains (Bundesliga.com)
Bundesliga.com compiled a list of all of the league’s known captains at this stage. Give it a look here to help brush up on the team leaders from each club as it stands today.
Some old and wise, others young and hungry ©️
— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) August 11, 2018
A run-through of all the confirmed #Bundesliga captains for 2018/19 https://t.co/Cjv8s0HsNL pic.twitter.com/I45r9nQQHs
When closed captioning goes awry (@Section8Chicago)
Bastian She Wine Stagger is a legend, but also summarizes my wife when she chooses to indulge.
First Half Summary #cf97 #CHIvRBNY pic.twitter.com/DDLGIKsCmS
— Section 8 Chicago (@Section8Chicago) August 12, 2018
Axel Witsel almost became a Bayern man (Bild)
New Borussia Dortmund player Axel Witsel told Bild that Carlo Ancelotti was making an effort to bring him to Bayern. Unfortunately, the primary information is behind a paywall, but considering his position (central midfield), it’s likely a very good thing that nothing ever happened.
It was a heavy Carlo day here in the Schmankerl. Let’s hope that’s not a sign of things to come. Enjoy the game!!