Is FC Bayern doing some advanced scouting?
Bayern eyeing Welsh center-back (talkSport’s Alex Crook and Jack Johnson via @iMiaSanMia)
Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany was tipped off to a good center-back prospect by an old friend and now the Belgian is — allegedly — keeping a close eye on 19-year-old Cardiff and Wales centre-back Dylan Lawlor:
Bayern are keeping tabs on Cardiff and Wales centre-back Dylan Lawlor (19). Vincent Kompany is understood to be watching Lawlor after his former teammate and assistant, and current Wales coach Craig Bellamy, gave him a nudge about the player’s potential. Premier League scouts have also been watching Lawlor.
At this point, who knows how Bayern Munich’s center-back situation shapes up. The futures of Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae are at last somewhat in doubt at the moment. Maybe finding a diamond in the rough is just the break that the club needs for the future of its defense?
Ter Stegen to Villa? (ESPN)
Aston Villa could be willing to bring in Marc-André ter Stegen, who — ironically — could be brought to help cover for Emiliano Martínez, who is dealing with back issues:
An enquiry has been sent to Barcelona by Aston Villa regarding goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, Mundo Deportivo reports. The Premier League club are concerned about recent back problems that No. 1 Emiliano Martínez has suffered, and Villa believe the 33-year-old Germany international could be a strong replacement. Ter Stegen is keen to play regular first-team football to bolster his chances of being the No. 1 for Germany at the FIFA World Cup, with Girona and clubs in the Saudi Pro League also looking at him. Argentina goalkeeper Martínez was prepared to leave Villa for Manchester United last summer, but a concrete bid never materialised.
Ter Stegen, of course, is only in this spot because he missed a ton of time due to his own back injury and subsequent surgery.
Dreesen says salary cap is unlikely (Welt am Sonntag via @iMiaSanMia)
Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen likes the idea of a salary cap, but does not think it is likely to happen.
“I’m always in favor of looking at both sides – revenue and expenditure. The bottom team in the Premier league, at €125 million, gets €30 million more TV revenue than us. Liverpool get €200million, while FC Barcelona and Real Madrid each get around €160 million,” said Dreesen. “The Premier League generates around €7 billion in TV revenue. We can’t catch up with the Premier League; it has different requirements and a different market. We have to secure our market share and gain more. We’re not yet where we wanted to be five years ago in terms of international TV revenue. When I look at expenditure, I’m absolutely in favor of the newly introduced squad cost cap. Anyone who exceeds the introduced 70% must be sanctioned.
“The 70% seems very sufficient, but it also includes depreciation and agent fees. The most important thing, however, is that the sanctions are enforced accordingly, and clubs can’t shirk their responsibility like in the past. A rule without tough enforcement makes no sense. A salary cap would also be very desirable, but I consider it unlikely to be enforceable at the European level.”
Napoli taking lead on Mainoo? (ESPN)
Whilke Bayern Munich might be bowing out of the running for Manchester United’ Kobbie Mainoo (was Bayern ever really in at all, though?), Napoli appears to be serious about making a bid:
New talks are set to take place between Napoli and the representatives of Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, according to Nicolo Schira. Mainoo continues to be linked with an exit from Old Trafford in the search for more minutes ahead of the World Cup, but the Red Devils have yet to indicate whether they are willing to part ways with the 20-year-old. It is believed that the Azzurri want to explore a potential loan deal in January.
Hamann roasts Wirtz (Sport1)
Didi Hamann is never short on opinions and he let loose on what he think about Florian Wirtz, including some thought that Wirtz is not going to really make it at Liverpool:
Didi Hamann has expressed considerable doubts about whether Florian Wirtz can establish himself permanently at Liverpool after his difficult start . “I’m inclined to say no,” the former German international stated clearly on Sunday during the “Sky90” program.
Hamann took a critical look at the 22-year-old’s season so far: “It’s Christmas now and he hasn’t scored a goal yet. I’ve seen almost all the games.”
Hamann believes Wirtz is having a particularly difficult time in the Premier League. “He played his best games in the Champions League. The football there is somewhat different. It’s not as hectic, fast, and physical,” Hamann explained.
The former Liverpool player also criticized the perception surrounding Wirtz: “People are telling themselves he’s being made out to be better than he’s playing.” Therefore, he demands clear decisions from the Reds, who have so far stood protectively behind Wirtz: “How long are you going to wait? At some point, they have to say: Look, lad, you’ve got six or eight weeks left.”
Hamann’s verdict is clear: “He can’t do it at the moment.” The only hope the TV pundit finds is the absence of Mohamed Salah, who is with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations: “Perhaps it will help him that Salah is away for three weeks.”
Well…that was a take down.
More details on Füllkrug’s deal with Milan emerge (Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg)
AC Milan seems pretty happy with the acquisition of Niclas Füllkrug from West Ham:
🚨🔴⚫️ Niclas #Füllkrug has successfully completed his medical at AC Milan.
Everything has been signed. He will wear the number 9. Option to buy in the summer for around €5m.
WHUFC are viewing the deal as solid business. They are saving at least €1.3 million in net wages until the summer. At least one new striker is expected to be signed in January. West Ham exploring the market.
@berger_pj
@SkySportDE
This is Füllkrug’s big chance to position himself for a German national team spot…will he take advantage of it?
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
Category: General Sports
