Daily Schmankerl: Bayern Munich target Florian Wirtz planning immediate future with Leverkusen; Everton did nicely in James Rodriguez deal; Timo Werner wanted Manchester United move; United eyeing Nordi Mukiele; and MORE!

Wirtz not going anywhere for two years (Bild)

Rumored Bayern Munich target Florian Wirtz has a contract with Bayer Leverkusen through 2026, but could be ready to explore other options by the summer of 2023 according to his father.

Hans-Joachim Wirtz is also the agent for his son and is not ready to commit to anything just yet on where his boy will spend his future.

“Florian definitely wants to play a good role in Leverkusen for the next two years,” said the elder Wirtz. “What comes next is not yet known. His focus is now only on Bayer and the national team.”

It sure seems like that timetable could be advantageous for Bayern Munich. A rumored nine-figure price tag, however, might not be doable — even in 2023 — for the fiscally-conservative Bavarians.

Everton paid nicely for player it didn’t want (@RudyGaletti)

Former Bayern Munich malcontent James Rodriguez scuttled himself off to Qatar and journalist Rudy Galetti is reporting that Everton received €8 million for the Colombian:

At least it will not be cold in Qatar...

ICYMI: Bavarian Podcast Works: Weekend Warm-up Podcast Season 1, Episode 18 (Bavarian Football Works)

The Bayern Munich machine is rolling along and plowing through any team that gets in its way. Last week, it was VfL Bochum and Friday the Bavarians took down SpVgg Greuther Fürth. FC Dynamo Kyiv is up next on Tuesday.

Regardless, there was still a lot to talk about off the pitch this week with Bayern Munich. Let’s take a look at some of the big stories from this week, including:

• The squad’s incredible depth.
• Benjamin Pavard’s desire to move to center-back and what that means for the squad’s future roster planning.
• The recent rumors surrounding Antonio Rüdiger.
• Robert Lewandowski’s commitment to Bayern Munich.

Werner originally eyed United deal (Transfer Market Web)

Before signing with Chelsea (and likely after walking away from a del with Bayern Munich), Timo Werner wanted to sign with Manchester United:

Timo Werner wanted to join Manchester United before completing his move to Chelsea - according to Sport Bild.

The 25-year-old told his agent that Old Trafford was his first choice destination after he decided to leave RB Leipzig at the end of the 2019-20 season.

A deal with United never came to fruition, though, and Chelsea ended up bringing him onto their books for £47.5 million ($65m).

Brand interactions by Phil (@philneezy)

Now...I don’t know what Chocolate Dr Pepper is (I mean, I know what Dr Pepper is, but have never seen the chocolate version) — or how one would procure the points to gain such a thing — but our own Phillip Quinn is psyched about getting himself some:

Dr Pepper responded to Phil (no doubt because of his BFW clout):

I also learned that it is “Dr Pepper” and not “Dr. Pepper” from this interaction.

United wants Mukiele (Transfer Market Web)

Manchester United is keeping a close eye on RB Leipzig defender Nordi Mukiele:

Manchester United are plotting a swoop for RB Leipzig star Nordi Mukiele - according to Fichajes.

The Red Devils want the 23-year-old to provide extra competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot at right-back, with it reported that he could be available for around £22 million ($30m) in January.

Mukiele has appeared in five Bundesliga games for Leipzig already this term, scoring once.