Daily Schmankerl: Effenberg warns Kai Havertz of transfer to Bayern, Real Madrid after “new Havertz,” Alphonso Davies 9th on top transfer value list

Effenberg warns Kai Havertz of transfer to Real Madrid, Bayern (Sport1)

Bayern Munich legend and former head coach of KFC Uerdingen Steffen Effenberg talked shop about Bayern Munich and transfer target Kai Havertz in his column for Sport1. He argues that Havertz should think carefully before rushing off to a heavyweight club prematurely.

“Kai Havertz is also a big talent, whose future has been the subject of much discussion,” Effenberg wrote. “For his development, he should think about playing another year in Leverkusen, where he receives and feels trust.”

Effenberg was drawing a comparison to Bayern Munich players Alphonso Davies, Leon Goretzka, and Joshua Kimmich, who have played outstandingly under head coach Hansi Flick.

A move to a harsher environment might hamper Havertz’s development more than help it. Effenberg writes, “If Havertz has a bad Hinrunde at Real Madrid like in this season, then he won’t be a starter in the Rückrunde. He gets this guarantee, however, in Leverkusen. At the top clubs — Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Manchester City, FC Barcelona, or FC Liverpool — he doesn’t.”

As for Bayern Munich, Effenberg praised them effusively: “Now we see the quality and class of Bayern,” he said. “The way they are playing is absolutely world-class. It impresses me. The top has closed a little bit, but Bayern will nonetheless be champion for the eighth time in a row. Dortmund is also playing an outstanding season, but Munich is on another level.”

Alphonso Davies 9th on CIES Football Observatory’s transfer value list (CIES)

Alphonso Davies cracked the top 10 of the CIES Football Observatory’s list of 100 players across the top five leagues with the “highest estimated transfer value.” Davies, 19 years old, ranked 9th at an estimated transfer value of €133.5 million.

Kylian Mbappé unsurprisingly topped the list with a massive value of €259.2 million, blowing all other competition out of the water. Raheem Sterling placed second at €194.7 million, and Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho third at €179.1 million.

Davies was the youngest player in the top 20, just ahead of BVB’s Erling Haaland, who placed 15th at €107.3 million.

Uncle Flo puts “el nuevo Havertz” on speed dial (Don Balon)

I realize I just dated myself. For those of you who don’t know, back when we actually had to type phone numbers into a telephone — normally one plugged into your wall by a “phone line” as it was then known — you could sometimes program your phone to dial all those numbers for you with the touch of a button. That’s the speed dial.

Ahem, where was I? Ah yes, Uncle Flo: Real Madrid’s Florentino Perez knows all about the “old Havertz,” Kai. And — pace Stefan Effenberg — Uncle Flo would love to persuade Bayer Leverkusen to send him south for a fee. Curiously, by the way, the Don estimates Leverkusen’s asking price as €90 million.

But the Don has already cast an eye on the next shiny new toy:

And it seems that they have already found a generational replacement. Because, in recent weeks, a young pearl has been seen by the line-ups of Peter Bosz, surprising everyone with his qualities and performances. And he has many similarities with the German international, with whom he plays the same position. That’s Florian Wirtz, a gem from 2003.

We all witnessed Wirtz’s talent this past Saturday as he became the youngest player ever to score in the Bundesliga, putting a beautiful shot past Manuel Neuer. Hence, Real Madrid and other top clubs “will surely not stop looking at the ‘new Havertz,’ as they have nicknamed him... Do not forget.”

Germany starlet Lena Oberdorf signs with the She-Wolves (VfL-Wolfsburg.de)

Rising women’s soccer star Lena Oberdorf has signed with the Frauenliga’s big bad she-wolf, VfL Wolfsburg. Oberdorf, still only 18 years old, has already earned 13 international caps for Germany and the best is yet to come. She made 35 appearances for Essen, including 4 in the women’s DFB Pokal. Jersey number 5 is hers to wear in Wolfsburg, where she will presumably feature in the defense and defensive midfield.

Oberdorf said, “I’m absolutely convinced that the top-quality squad and fantastic facilities make VfL Wolfsburg exactly the right club for me to develop over the next few years, and of course to win titles too.” In particular, she is looking forward to “gaining experience in the Champions League.” Alles gute, Lena!

Top US markets for the Bundesliga last weekend