Upamecano offered to Real? (Sports Illustrated)
According to one report, the representatives for Bayern Munich center-back Dayot Upamecano have offered him to Real Madrid:
Real Madrid have become synonymous with acquiring world-class players on free transfers.
Kylian Mbappé, David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger and Trent Alexander-Arnold are recent examples of the brilliant business Los Blancos have managed to pull off. Now, they could potentially follow the same formula to acquire Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano.
Upamecano is entering the final year of his contract with Bayern Munich and, according to MARCA, the Frenchman’s agent has already been in contact with Real Madrid to gauge any possible interest for a move in the summer of 2026.
The report also suggests that Real Madrid have other priorities and other players in mind to reinforce Xabi Alonso’s squad, but they are not closing the door on Upamecano’s potential arrival.
The contract talks between Upamecano’s camp and Bayern Munich have not been in the public eye. All we know at this point is that Upamecano and his people were irritated with what they considered a lowball offer early in the summer, so they sacked talks for a long period.
Recent reports indicate that the two sides are talking once again, but Upamecano’s representatives could also be gauging what their client might be worth on the open market.
Guéhi wants Real move (ESPN)
How many center-backs want to go to Real Madrid? Apparently at least one more as Crystal Palace center-back Marc Guéhi has told his advisors he wants a move to Madrid:
Crystal Palace center back Marc Guéhi has now told his advisors that his heart is set on a move to Real Madrid, after his deadline day move to Liverpool fell through, says by The Mirror. Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté already looks set to leave as a free agent in the summer, with Los Blancos one of the clubs interested in the France international, but they could also land Guehi for nothing. Elsewhere, Marca reports that Bayern Munich center back Dayot Upamecano has offered himself to Real Madrid as a free agent with his contract also expiring in the summer.
The Bundesliga Rundown with Marcus Iredahl: Matchday 4 (Bavarian Football Works)
What makes the Bundesliga the best league in the world?
Is it the screamers from 30 yards? The global superstars? Or the fact that on any given day, the underdog can win 4–3?
In this episode of The Bundesliga Rundown, Marcus shares why—in his opinion—the Bundesliga stands apart: the legendary 50+1 rule.
Here’s what’s inside:
- A quick background on the 50+1 rule
- Why the tide may be changing among football fans: are people starting to realise that romanticism matters more than success on the pitch?
- Union Berlin! The underdog from the East
- Union of yesterday: from donating blood to save their club, to playing at the Santiago Bernabéu
- Union of today: defensive but lethal
- Steffen Baumgart: the Bundesliga’s most energetic coach
Kane, Kim recognized for effort vs. Hoffenheim (WhoScored.com)
Bayern Munich star Harry Kane earned a spot on WhoScored.com’s Bundesliga Team of the Week for his hat-trick vs. Hoffenheim:
In addition, Kim Min-jae joined Kane on Kicker’s Bundesliga Team of the Week:
Barca eyeing Haaland to replace Lewy…where have we seen this before? (ESPN)
FC Barcelona could be plotting a move for Manchester City striker Erling Haaland to succeed former Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski:
Barcelona have identified Manchester City striker Erling Haaland as their dream replacement for 37-year-old Robert Lewandowski, says Football Insider. Haaland, 25, has scored 130 goals in 151 games since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 and he signed a new nine-and-a-half-year contract January. City aren’t looking to let the Norway international leave, and it would take an offer of £150 million to start talks, which Barcelona would need to raise by letting other players go.
Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show: Season 8, Episode 11 (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich will get some down time…not much, but some.
The Bavarians are not back in action until Friday against Werder Bremen, so a day or two of rest will not be such a bad thing for a squad coming off of an arduous week.
Let’s check in on where things stand with Bayern Munich and some other hot topics as well. This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show:
- A heat check on the position groups.
- Why were so many fans unhappy with a 4-1 win over Hoffenheim?
- People were quick to bury Lennart Karl, and how about that resurgent effort from Kim Min-jae.
- Could this season convince Harry Kane to see out his deal and what would it take for Kane to win the Ballon d’Or?
- An update on the striker market for 2026 — with notes on Kane, Dušan Vlahović, and Erling Haaland.
- A farewell to a legend.
Milan to extend Pulisic through 2029 (ESPN)
AC Milan could be getting closer to a contract extension with Christian Pulisic:
AC Milan are planning to extend Christian Pulisic’s contract until 2029, says Calciomercato, adding that the intention is to increase the USMNT winger’s salary from a net €4 million to €5 million per season. The 27-year-old’s contract expires in 2027 and includes the option for another 12 months that can be triggered in a year, but Milan are planning to keep Pulisic for longer. He asked for time to understand Milan’s plans after an eighth-placed finish last term, but he is now happy under Massimiliano Allegri.
NUFC, Spurs, Villa eyeing Brandt (Ekrem Konur via ESPN)
Borussia Dortmund star Julian Brandt is reportedly drawing interest from Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Aston Villa:
Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa are all looking at Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder Julian Brandt ahead of a possible January move.
Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show: Hoffenheim 1-4 Bayern Munich (Bavarian Football Works)
When Bayern Munich traveled to Sinsheim on a short week after taking down Chelsea FC in the Champions League, it was never going to be easy.
Hoffenheim is well-coached, motivated, and playing with a real fire. For a weary Bayern Munich side, that meant trouble, but Vincent Kompany heavily rotated his men and while it was not always dominant or even pretty, the Bavarians showed their grit once again in a 4-1 win.
Let’s get into all of the details right here on the Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show:
- A look at the starting XI and why it was absolutely the right move to rotated so much.
- A rundown of the scoring and substitutions — and why that scary first half told us so much about where the squad stands.
- Some final thoughts and takeaways on the match.
