Bayern Munich deliberating trades to reinforce four positions (kicker via Fussball Transfers)
The Monday edition of kicker reports that Bayern Munich is considering trade deals to help finance transfers at four different positions on the team. Those positions are:
- Left-back: Alphonso Davies is the undisputed starter now, and it appears that David Alaba — unless he opts to depart for Real Madrid or Barcelona for serious cash — will remain in the central defense. Since Lucas Hernandez’s injury troubles have prevented him from establishing himself in either the center or at left-back, Bayern want a backup.
- Right-back: Álvaro Odriozola will return to Real Madrid this summer and Bayern will resume its search for a backup to Benjamin Pavard. Bayern has been tracking Ajax Amsterdam’s Sergiño Dest for quite some time, but Ajax rejected Bayern’s first offer (€20 million).
- Center-back: Bayern anticipates the departure of Jerome Boateng, who will again find himself behind Lucas Hernandez and Niklas Süle next season. Flick wants a right-footed center-back. The most rumored option is Dayot Upamecano, who will soon leave RB Leipzig.
- Wing: Ah, yes, Leroy Sané. Bayern is still pursuing the non-committal Sané. Although he is apparently not Flick’s first choice, Flick will still accept him if Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Oliver Kahn join Hasan Salihamidzic in favor of the signing — a nice problem to have (Bild). But it is well-known that he is a fan of Timo Werner, who has enjoyed a career season at Leipzig thus far.
What Flick means for Bayern’s extension plans (Bild)
Bild gave a roundup of the probabilities concerning the ongoing extension talks and other transfer plans, supplemented by some information of their own. Here’s the breakdown:
- Manuel Neuer: he will probably stay, but the talks are currently stuck on the duration of the extension. As we know, Neuer wants a contract through 2025, Bayern is offering one only through 2023. Flick is adamant about Neuer’s world-class status, so there is no doubt he wants him to stay.
- Thomas Müller: Müller has risen to new heights under Flick after sitting on the bench under Niko Kovac. Everyone involved wants Müller to stay. His contract should be only a matter of time.
- David Alaba: Alaba is still thinking about his plans, but Flick wants him to stay. He’s been rock-solid in Bayern’s central defense, where he would presumably continue, should he stay.
- Thiago: according to Bild, Bayern could sell Thiago, but his departure seems very unlikely. Kicker claims that Bayern are about to announce an extensions, and only details remain to be clarified. That would be the obvious move in light of Thiago’s importance and dedication to the club, not to mention his outstanding performances under Flick.
- Javi Martinez: Javi’s time in Munich is probably drawing to an end. Joshua Kimmich has made the 6 his position. It is more likely that he will return to Athletic Bilbao to end his career in his native Spain.
- Boateng: as mentioned above, although Flick appreciates Boateng, he is still likely to move on.
Bayern Munich urges fans to stay home as small groups resume training (kicker)
Bayern Munich made an earnest plea to fans of the club to stay home and not attempt to view the team training at Säbener Strasse as the players return to train in small groups. The club issued an urgent warning in its press release announcing the training:
Training will take place with no members of the public present. In order to further slow the spread of the coronavirus, FC Bayern asks fans to continue to follow the instructions of the authorities and therefore please do not come to the FC Bayern training ground.
Instead of wandering outside to sneak a peek at the team, Alphonso Davies has a better option to help you stay fit at home:
Zumba with Phonzie!
If you missed it yesterday, check out the Zumba breakdown by our own Tom Adams!
David Alaba adds his voice in protest
David Alaba joined Antonio Rüdiger and others who expressed their outrage at the proposal of two French doctors to test a coronavirus vaccine in Africa:
Trying a #Covid19 accine in Africa??? Are these two guys doctors or clowns? This is a kind of racism I could never imagine. Disgraceful and unacceptable!
— David Alaba (@David_Alaba) April 5, 2020
We all have to stand together and work hand in hand to fight this virus.
Kyle Walker sorry for hosting a sex party in the time of coronavirus (The Sun)
This story is right in The Sun’s wheelhouse: Manchester City and England star Kyle Walker hosted an interesting get-together at his home a few hours after he posted a message on social media urging his followers to “keep following the protocols” during the coronavirus pandemic: he and a friend hired two prostitutes to entertain them at Walker’s home in Cheshire.
On a serious note though, please everyone stay home, look after one another through this difficult time and check in on loved ones but don’t visit them #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/9QnWkcnGrH
— Kyle Walker (@kylewalker2) March 24, 2020
That didn’t age well, did it?
One of the call-girls talked frankly to The Sun afterward about the details of the women’s visit. She said, “Kyle really should know better. On the one hand he’s inviting strangers round to his house for sex, and the next day he’s lecturing everyone on the need to stay safe. He’s a hypocrite and putting people at risk.”
Basti stays fit at home
At the opposite end of the wholesomeness spectrum, Bastian Schweinsteiger encouraged fans to stay fit at home while staying in:
Home workout done! Don't forget to challenge yourself to stay fit these days
— Basti Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) April 5, 2020
Trainings-Session beendet! Denkt daran euch auch zu Hause fit zu halten pic.twitter.com/i6sLiZepFF
Youngster re-creates famous goals
This young baller has recreated the best goals of the century, absolute class
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 5, 2020
(via @sohanlon23) pic.twitter.com/QZuB8WWCZ8
Messis in the shape of Ronaldo vs. Ronaldos in the shape of Messi.
— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 5, 2020
This PES sim is quite incredible pic.twitter.com/M0Z5IaCBiP