Daily Schmankerl: Manchester United making progress on pursuit of Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt; Hansi Flick wants Joshua Kimmich at FC Barcelona; Liverpool sneaking in to get PSG’s Manuel Ugarte?; The Lena Oberdorf begins at Bayern; and MORE!

Daily Schmankerl: Manchester United making progress on pursuit of Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt; Hansi Flick wants Joshua Kimmich at FC Barcelona; Liverpool sneaking in to get PSG’s Manuel Ugarte?; The Lena Oberdorf begins at Bayern; and MORE!

United working closely with De Ligt, Bayern on transfer (De Telegraaf via @iMiaSanMia)

At this point, it would be a shocker if Matthijs de Ligt stays at Bayern Munich. Multiple reports dropped indicating that Manchester United is very serious about its pursuit of De Ligt.

Below, is a report from Mike Verweij of De Telegraaf, which details the offer made by Manchester United to De Ligt’s camp:

Manchester United have offered Matthijs de Ligt a 5-year deal until 2029. The management of the defender is negotiating with United. An agreement on personal terms is to be expected soon, according to sources close to the English club. De Ligt will then wait for the clubs to agree a fee. United and Bayern are already in contact over the fee. Erik ten Hag has made de Ligt his priority target and already spoke to him several times on the phone.

Dan Sheldon of The Athletic (via @iMiaSanMia) also checked in to confirm United’s interest in De Ligt and why the Red Devils might prefer the Dutchman over other targets:

Manchester United have opened formal talks with Bayern over a possible transfer for Matthijs de Ligt. United’s interest is matched by that of Erik ten Hag, who is keen on bringing the player to Old Trafford. A potential fee is likely to be more realistic than other options such as Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.

Sport1’s Christopher Michel (via @iMiaSanMia) is reporting that Bayern Munich might not be getting as much in return for De Ligt as many would hope:

Due to his substitute role at the EUROs, De Ligt cannot increase his value during the tournament and therefore, it will be tough for Bayern to get back the €67m they paid for him in 2022. Manchester United are looking in the €30-40m range, plus possible add-ons, while the fee for De Ligt is likely to be closer to €50-60m.

Sky Sport journalist Florian Plettenberg backed up the reporting on De Ligt’s price tag:

Exclusive Detail: FC Bayern have now set a price for Matthijs de Ligt and are demanding at least 50 million euros plus bonus payments!

▫️No official offer from ManUtd yet! #MUFC

▫️Top agent Rafaela Pimenta in direct touch with ManUtd to find an agreement and a top solution for De Ligt as Ten Hag really wants him!

Flick wants Kimmich for CDM role at Barca (Barca News Network)

Per a report, former Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick wants Joshua Kimmich to play the No. 6 role at FC Barcelona:

In the upcoming summer transfer window, one of the positions that FC Barcelona are looking to reinforce is that of the midfield pivot. This is one of the biggest weaknesses of the Blaugrana team, and the Catalans are considering several names for this purpose.

The Everton midfielder is the favorite candidate of the Sporting Director Deco, while the former coach, Xavi Hernandez, had his heart set on the Real Sociedad midfielder, Martin Zubimendi. Mikel Merino has also emerged as a realistic option for the Catalans recently, while Joshua Kimmich has also been linked with them for some time now.

However, according to SPORT, the favorite to reinforce the pivot position for the new Barcelona coach, Hansi Flick, is the last of these players, i.e., Joshua Kimmich. This is particularly the case as the German tactician knows the player from his time at Bayern Munich and the German national team, where he played in the midfield.

The former Bayern Munich coach is looking to have a core of well-trusted players during his first season at Barcelona. He already has the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Robert Lewandowski, and Marc Andre Ter Stegen under his command, and he believes the inclusion of Kimmich would significantly strengthen the team’s midfield.

Thus, the new coach is ready to intervene directly in his signing if this can convince the Bayern Munich star to opt for Barcelona, as the Catalans are not the only side pursuing him. His contract with the Bavarian team is expiring next year, and they will be open to selling him this summer to ensure they do not lose him for free.

Kimmich’s situation in Bavaria is tenuous to say the least. A move to Spain or England feels more and more like it is in the cards for the Germany international. With his position in doubt and lukewarm backing (so far) from the new regime in the front office, Bayern Munich fans really could be witnessing the final days of Kimmich with the club.

Surely, things could change, but it does appear that Vincent Kompany is going to have to have a good plan to present to the 29-year-old — and it has already been reported that Kompany does not envision Kimmich playing in the central midfield moving forward.

If true, that could be a problem for Kimmich.

Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show: Season 6, Episode 52 (Bavarian Football Works)

Bayern Munich and Germany both have a lot to mull over in upcoming weeks. We address some of those issues in this podcast:

• The offside debate — should Denmark’s goal have stood?
• Thoughts on Germany’s problems against Denmark.
• Thoughts on Nico Schlotterbeck’s performance — should he retain his spot?
• Thoughts on Leroy Sané (and so many related frustrations).
• Thoughts on some ways in which Julian Nagelsmann might set up his team against Spain.
• Thoughts on what makes Spain exceptional in UEFA EURO 2024.
• Should Nagelsmann start Niclas Füllkrug?
• Looking back at the history of Germany vs. Spain.
• A look at Bayern Munich’s defense — will Matthijs de Ligt actually be sold?
• Thoughts on Michael Olise’s seemingly impending moving to Bayern.
• More Bayern musings and thoughts on Tah as well as João Palhinha.

LFC, Gunners battling for Coman? (The Kop Times)

Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC could be two potential destinations for Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, who many are expecting to leave Bavaria this summer:

Liverpool are ready to battle Chelsea and Arsenal to sign Bayern Munich forward Kingsley Coman during the summer transfer window

Bayern Munich forward Kingsley Coman is a transfer target for Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool as they seek to strengthen their attack. Liverpool are assessing the attacking options in the transfer market to bolster their current squad after last season’s struggle.

The Reds faced a poor end to the season which cost them the Europa League and the Premier League title. Their attack department faced severe criticism for the drastic dip in form and consistent wastefulness in productivity throughout the season.

Liverpool cannot afford the repeat of similar problems under new head coach Arne Slot as they go through a transition. The different tactical style of the new coach would require the sco?uting team to change the profile of desired players.

United eyeing Zirkzee, Ugarte (Mirror via 90Min.com)

Matthijs de Ligt might not be the only major target on Manchester United’s radar. Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee and Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte are also both on Manchester United’s transfer list:

Manchester United have stepped up talks for Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee and Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte over the past 48 hours.

Uzun to Frankfurt? (@Plettigoal)

At one point, Can Uzun was on Bayern Munich transfer radar, but now it appears as if the 1. FC Nürnberg talent is headed to Eintracht Frankfurt:

It’s a DONE DEAL now: Can #Uzun is a new player of @Eintracht!

▫️The 18 y/o top talent has signed a contract until 2029. Announcement in the next 24 hours

▫️Transfer fee around €11m + €3m possible add-ons!

It’s a record transfer for @1_fc_nuernberg! Smart detail for FCN: a 10 % sell-on clause is included!

Many clubs wanted the striker, SGE with Markus Krösche made the race

Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show: Germany 2-0 Denmark (Bavarian Football Works)

Former Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann is pushing all of the right buttons for Germany at the moment (well, almost all of them).

The German national team used a relentless attack and some endless energy to wear down Denmark 2-0 and claim a spot in the in EURO 2024 quarterfinals. It might not always have been pretty, but it was always exciting. This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show:

• A look at Julian Nagelsmann’s starting XI and what the big changes were.
• A rundown of the scoring and substitutions.
• A look at Germany’s early dominance and why it still probably left fans feeling a little uneasy.
• Why the weather delay really could have gone sideways for the Germans.
• Respect for the Danes, who really did battle like hell.
• Thoughts on Germany’s overall performance and why — despite some really frustrating moments — this was a landmark performance for the squad under Nagelsmann.

Højbjerg to Türkiye? (Sports Digitale via 90Min.com)

Tottenham Hotspur’s Pierre-Emile Højbjerg is drawing interest from Türkiye:

Tottenham are demanding a fee of around £10m to sell midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who is wanted by both Fenerbahce and Galatasaray.

Gray headed to Spurs (@FabrizioRomano)

At one point recently, there were some very loose rumors linking Leed United midfielder Archie Gray to Bayern Munich, but it appears that Gray is headed to Tottenham Hotspur:

Bavarian Podcast Works: Weekend Warm-up Show Season 3, Episode 50 (Bavarian Football Works)

In the middle of the offseason, things should be slowing down, but for Bayern Munich and German national team fans, it has been, well, pretty darn wild.

The Bavarians are in the middle of what figures to be a crazy transfer period, while Germany has already looked better in a tourney than it has at any point since that last run under Joachim Löw at EURO 2020 (played in 2021) or maybe the first 10 games under Hansi Flick:

Now, though, it’s a new day for both Bayern Munich and Germany:

• Chuck is back in the saddle! Find out what he has been up to and why he has been off the airwaves for a spell.
• Germany put itself in a good position to consider this tourney run a success.
• It is still early, but Chuck does not like the direction of Bayern Munich’s New World Order in the front office.
• Are three center-backs really up for sale?
• Fans who wanted change are going to get exactly what they were asking for.
• Selling Kingsley Coman might not be easy.
• Joshua Kimmich seems likely to leave this summer (or maybe in 2025), while Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry could just get frozen out until they want to leave.

Diomande still on Bayern Munich’s radar (Malick Traoré via @iMiaSanMia)

Bayern Munich is reportedly still among the clubs (with Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC) eyeing Sporting Lisbon Ousmane Diomande:

Enter Oberdorf (@FCBfrauen)

It might not have the same ring as “Enter Sandman” but the arrival of Lena Oberdorf to the Bayern Munich Frauen should generate the same kind of hype and excitement of the Metallica song:

LFC to take run at Ugarte (TEAMtalk via 90Min.com)

Liverpool could swoop in and take a run at Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte:

Man Utd’s hopes of signing Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte have been complicated by interest from Liverpool, who are looking to hijack any deal for the Uruguay international.