Daily Schmankerl: Atletico Madrid eyes Juan Bernat; Leon Bailey extends deal; Don Balol points Lewy to Madrid (again) and MORE!

Juan Bernat is on the radar of Atletico Madrid (AS)

With David Alaba back on the pitch and Atletico Madrid is keeping a close eye on Bayern Munich’s backup left back, Juan Bernat. With Filipe Luis being pursued by Paris Saint-Germain, Atleti is seeking a reliable understudy to Lucas Hernández.

According to Carrusel Deportivo on Spanish station SER, the (Luis) is targeting a move away from the Spanish capital before August 31. His current contract with Atleti ends in June 2019, something that has not been resolved after several failed attempts by the club to get him to renew. Spanish paper El Mundo states that the situation is more advanced than just a desire from the player, stating that an attractive offer is already on the table...from French giants PSG.

The Rojiblanco technical team have had an eye on Bayern Munich’s Bernat, who they believe could fill this poistion well. A decision is expected to be made by the club next Tuesday but there is still a chance that Filipe could play in Mestalla against Valencia in their opening fixture.

Given that both Jupp Heynckes and Niko Kovač seemingly preferred Rafinha as a backup to Alaba over Bernat, it is probably best for the Spaniard to move on. A transfer to Atletico Madrid, however, would not exactly provide the field time he requires at his age. If the price is right, though, Bayern could be willing to part ways with a player, who no longer really has a role.

One trickle down effect could be that if Bernat leaves, perhaps Sebastian Rudy stays as a backup to Kimmich at right back and also as a reserve midfielder, with Rafinha sliding to backup Alaba permanently.

Just a thought...

This is just absurd now: Lewy to Madrid for €70M (Don Balolol)

The Don has Robert Lewandowski heading to Real Madrid for €70M, so sell your new, mint green Bayern away kits ASAP!

The next few days will be very moving at the Santiago Bernabéu. Florentino Perez wants to close a signing before the end of the month, and there are several names on the table. One of them is Robert Lewandowski. The Pole is still on the agenda of the all whites, although not one of the priorities. Florentino Pérez already knows how much he should pay for it. Because Bayern Munich knows that Real Madrid is behind their ‘9’, and has put a price on it. If Real Madrid wants to sign him he must offer, at least, 70 million euros. A lower price than what Valencia and Inter are asking for Rodrigo and Icardi respectively, but it is true that in Madrid they do not see anything clear to pay that amount of money for a player of 30 years.

You know Don, I think Bayern is just fine with keeping the Polish Hitman around a little longer.

Leon Bailey signed extension with Bayer Leverkusen (@bayer04_en)

Die Werkself made a sound decision in extending its deal with Leon Bailey through the 2023 season. The talent was rumored to be sought after by Bayern and AS Roma among other clubs. Leverkusen are going to be a capable and quality squad and is brimming with offensive talent.

Die Folgen: Bayern vs. Dorchtersen/Assel (BavarianFootballWorks.com)

Bayern Munich had a “much closer than expected” 1-0 victory over Dorchtersen/Assel in the opening round of the DFB Pokal. Here are some quick hitters on the match:

• Dorchtersen/Assel played the ONLY way it was going to be able to survive to even keep the game competitive and that was by backing as many as nine players into the box and suffocating the Bayern offense. Credit to Dorchtersen/Assel for creating just enough chaos to make Bayern uncomfortable and unable to finish until Robert Lewandowski flicked home a ball from Leon Goretzka to give the game its only goal.
• Speaking of Goretzka, I think he is ready for a prime time role. He just has energy and is decisive with this actions on the field. The more I see of him, the better he looks. Bayern has yet another midfield gem and now has to figure out how to keep all that talent happy. Good luck Niko!
• The disallowed goal that Thomas Müller scored on a deft pass from Kingsley Coman (Frank Ribery’s needless run to put Bayern offside) was encouraging and the product of the movement that Müller had displayed throughout the contest. He was creating offense and attacking space with confidence. It was a terrific sign for the Bavarian as he enters the season under the microscope of many haters.
• The only disappointing thing about Bayern’s performance early on was the lack of urgency, which has been a systemic problem over the past three season. In all likelihood, Dorchtersen/Assel would have abandoned the strategy early had Bayern put one home early, but Die Roten were not able to find the back of the net despite a crazy amount of attempts; many of which were forced a bit too early. Hopefully Niko Kovač can implore his troops to be a little more crisp early on in games.

If you missed our Match Awards or Observations, check out the links below.

Alphonso Davies is making noise (@Bayern_mania)

It seems like every week we get some encouraging news about the young Canadian.

A call for fan groups (BavarianFootballWorks.com)

We are going to try something here at the Daily Schmankerl and need YOUR help. If you read my man Tommy Adams’ piece about his experience with the FCBNYC Fan Club (if you haven’t, SHAME ON YOU!), you could see how great the event was. So we want to highlight some of these wonderful groups that are out there globally and this is what we need from you:

• Name of the group:
• Location:
• Year founded:
• Leadership (if you have people are kind of running the show):
• Meeting place:
• Social media handles:
• Pictures

I’d LOVE to be able to feature a different fan group every week this season. Maybe we can do it, maybe not...but only YOU can help decide the fate of this idea. Send your info to: barrelsportsblog@gmail.com