Daily Schmankerl: Callum Hudson-Odoi back on Bayern’s radar, United looking at Perisic in despair of Sancho, Alexander Lungwitz joins FCB II

I wish we could quit you: Bayern interested in Callum Hudson-Odoi again? (SkySport)

We might have to fire up the CHO-CHO train again. Remember him? Hasan Salihamidzic was dead-set on bringing this 19-year-old Chelsea gem to Bavaria. Chelsea even indignantly threatened legal action over “tapping up” because Salihamidzic complimented the kid during the winter camp in Doha.

The saga dragged on and on, and then he ruptured his Achilles, and then on and on some more — and the kid finally signed a massive new contract with Chelsea.

Well, in the immortal words of John Rambo, “Nothing is over!”

SkySport reports that Hudson-Odoi is looking for a loan abroad, after his beloved Chelsea went on a shopping spree, buying Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, and Hakim Ziyech (and counting!).

Bayern has rekindled its interest, according to SkySport’s information, but the club has not yet contacted the “CHO-camp.” Bayern would be interested only in a loan with an option to buy. The need is there: after Ivan Perisic’s departure, head coach Hansi Flick wants a fourth winger on the roster.

Juventus Turin and RB Leipzig are also interested in the young forward. But Hudson-Odoi’s own wages might get in the way of a move: since using Bayern to twist Chelsea’s arm, he earns around €8.5 million per year.

Hudson-Odoi was subbed on for Kai Havertz in the 80th minute of Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Brighton.

Manchester United eyeing Ivan Perisic after Jadon Sancho scores for wrong team (Telegraph)

If you were watching Borussia Dortmund yesterday, you may have been surprised — at least, if you only read the English news — to see Jadon Sancho score for his former team. Indeed, Sancho kicked off a 5-0 goal-fest against Duisburg with a finely taken penalty in the 14th minute. Marco Reus, incidentally, scored the 5-0 with his first touch about three seconds after coming on.

But now Manchester United has officially, maybe, realized that they should explore other possibilities than signing Sancho. One of their targets? None other than Ivan “the Pretty Good” Perisic.

The Telegraph reports that United might even be disappointed in its “efforts to sign Ivan Perisic for a knockdown fee.” Remember how Bayern Munich refused to pay €20 million for Ivan? Well, United was allegedly hoping Inter would accept €30 million, and Inter also rejected their improved bid of €32 million “about a fortnight ago”!

No wonder Bayern couldn’t make a deal with them.

Robben’s Groningen comeback cut short

Alas, Arjen Robben’s return to the Eredivisie with Groningen did not go according to plan. Robben was greeted with a touching fan choreo, “Welcome home, Arjen!”:

... only to leave the match with a muscular injury after half an hour. Getting back in form after a year away from the game seems to have proven even harder than anticipated. But if you know anything about Robben, he will give his all to come back yet again. We sincerely wish him all the best to our beloved no. 10, Mr. Wembley.

Photo by Photo Prestige/Soccrates/Getty Images

Bayern II bring back Alexander Lungwitz (FCBayern.de)

After likely missing out on signing Aaron Hickey from Hearts (The rumor remains that he’s joining Bologna.), Bayern II have found another left back for the upcoming season. Following Derrick Köhn’s departure for Willem II, the club appeared to be set on playing Dennis Waidner (a right back) over at left back; however, maybe Alexander Lungwitz will now fill that spot.

Lungwitz left Bayern II in the summer of 2019 to join Greuther Fürth in the 2.Bundesliga, but playing time has been hard to come by. The left back spent six seasons with Bayern’s youth sides, and even played a few matches for FCBII back in the Regionalliga Bayern.

Uncle Jerome dishes out some rookie (purple) hazing

Neymar posts compelling anti-racism statement after incident

Neymar was sent off, along with several other players, after a brawl broke out between PSG and Olympique Marseille in extra time. In the aftermath, Neymar published a full statement on Instagram (see pages 3-4 below for the English version). Olympique defender Alvaro Gonzalez is accused of directing a racist monkey insult at Neymar.

Dynamo Dresden defender confronts fan after loss