Daily Schmankerl: Alleged Bayern Munich target Dominik Szoboszlai could stay with RB Salzburg through the end of the season; Bayern players giving back; Erling Haaland must squat skyscrapers; and MORE!

Szoboszlai’s plans could change if Salzburg advances in UCL (Transfermarkt)

It has been widely assumed that RB Salzburg phenom Dominik Szoboszlai would make the move to RB Leipzig this winter. (Insert movie trailer voice) But what if Szoboszlai’s real challenge was still in Austria?

Per Transfermarkt, there is a possibility that the 20-year-old will stay in Salzburg if his squad advances into the knockout rounds of the Champions League:

In Szoboszlai’s case, much will depend on Red Bull Salzburg’s final Champions League match. Austria’s Serienmeister could still qualify for the round of 16 of the Champions League—they face Atlético Madrid on matchday 6 in what will be a final for second place in Group A. In that case, Szoboszlai is expected to remain in Austria until the summer. Leipzig’s bosses have been working hard on a transfer that would see the Hungarian become the 18th player to make the move from Red Bull to RasenBallsport.

It would be sort of crazy if it was Salzburg that moved on in the UCL and not parent club RB Leipzig. Leipzig is no sure thing to advance as its fate will be determined on Tuesday when they play host to Manchester United.

A win would seal the deal for Die Roten Bullen, but anything less could leave the East German club out in the cold.

From a Bayern Munich perspective, if the Bavarians are serious about pursuing Szoboszlai, an extended stay with RB Salzburg could give Bayern’s front office some much needed time for squad planning and with finances.

Italian club closing in on Piatek (Transfer Market Web)

Hertha Berlin striker Krzysztof Piatek made his bones in Italy and might be heading back there to revive his career. Fiorentina could be the Poland international’s next stop:

While being more and more likely to get rid of Patrick Cutrone before the time, Fiorentina management, according to Italian source QS-La Nazione, are quite close to seal the deal with Hertha Berlin on Polish international striker Krzysztof Piatek (25). Eager to join Italy back, former AC Milan and Genoa hitman, playing for German club only since last January, is meant to be on his way out on an about 18 million euros transfer fee.

Piatek’s transition to the Bundesiga has went surprisingly bad. The 25-year-old showed great promise with Genoa, but has had trouble finding consistency as the lights have gotten brighter. A more focused approach toward his movement and a stronger commitment to his defensive responsibilities would likely be a huge boost to him.

Bayern chasing French youngster (Sport Bild)

Another nugget from this week’s print edition of Sport Bild was that Bayern Munich is reportedly pursuing Lucien Agoumé. Agoumé is an 18-year-old midfielder, who is on loan at Spezia from Inter Milan. Agoumé is under contract with Inter Milan through 2023, which could make him a tough get for the Bavarians if the rumor is true.

Berlin Derby documented on ESPN+ (@RaeComm)

In some cool news, ESPN+ subscribers are going to gain access to a special show on the history of the Berlin Derby that will be narrated by Derek Rae:

Corentin Tolisso takes time for handicapped children (@CorentinTolisso)

Even when battling through his own ailment, Corentin Tolisso maintains a strong commitment to kids, as he recently spent some time with a few children facing some physical challenges:

My friend Paul and all the children with disabilities with whom it is always a pleasure to discuss our lives, our daily life, football, music ... I think of you very often and a little more today.

The work off the pitch that some players put in clearly does not get enough publicity. Good for Tolisso for taking his personal time to impact the life of some kids.

Benjamin Pavard visiting children isolated at hospitals over the holidays (@BenPavard28)

Yet another example of a Bayern Munich player giving back to the community is Benjamin Pavard:

Because 2020 has been difficult for everyone and we need to remain united, I’m participating in the “Christmas at the hospital” initiative with the @assoaida association to break the isolation of children and young people in the hospital during the holidays. To participate: noelalhopital.fr

Haaland not missing leg day, promises swift comeback (Erling.Haaland)

Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland suffered a muscle tear in the final training session before BVB’s 1-1 draw against SS Lazio. Coach Lucien Favre ruled him out until January, but judging by the pic, he might just grow another hamstring:

Uh, bro, do you even do leg day?