Bayern Munich and Joshua Kimmich seem ready to finalize deal; Real Madrid, Liverpool

 According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich is very close to finalizing a new deal with the club.

Real Madrid, who was thought to be one of the primary suitors for Kimmich, seems to be totally focused on Liverpool FC’s Trent Alexander-Arnold:

Liverpool FC might have been kicking the tires on Kimmich late, but the Reds could easily shift their focus either FC Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong or VfB Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller per TEAMtalk (via 90Min.com):

Liverpool are interested in Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich, Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong and VfB Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller.

Madrid, LFC, and City on high alert for Wirtz (ESPN)

The longer that Florian Wirtz goes without signing his rumored contract extension with Bayer Leverkusen, the more speculation will grow that he will be looking for a new club for next season.

With Bayer Leverkusen — allegedly — putting out feelers to Manchester City youngster James McAtee, Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Manchester City are all honing in on Wirtz:

Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester City have been given a boost in their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, reports the Daily Mail, with the Bundesliga side having lined up City starlet James McAtee as his replacement. The trio are all believed to be looking at the 21-year-old Germany international and expected to test the waters with a set of bids in the summer. Wirtz has been in impressive form this season, with nine goals and 10 assists in only 23 league appearances.

If Wirtz does decide to test the waters of the transfer market, Bayern Munich is expected to toss any budget concerns in the trashcan and make a big play for the attacker.

he Bundesliga Rundown went to its first live Bundesliga game this weekend!

And what a game it was—we had the incredible experience of sitting right next to the Yellow Wall. This episode will feature:

A quick look at Bayern Munich’s win over Eintracht Frankfurt

A bizarre Bundesliga Spotlight: Christian Ilzer’s use of toys to motivate his players

A brief history of the Ruhr region

Why football matters in difficult times

Serhou Guirassy and Emre Can in the spotlight

... and much more!

De Bruyne to hold talks with Pep (Daily Mail)

Rumors have been swirling that Kevin De Bruyne could leave Manchester City for San Diego FC. However, De Bruyne might want to have another talk with City boss Pep Guardiola about seeing what a longer stay might look like:

Manchester City star Kevin de Bruyne has accepted he will only play a bit-part role next season, it’s claimed - now he needs Pep Guardiola to decide if he should be kept on at the Etihad.

The report says he wants to stay at City beyond the end of his deal, but he will turn 34 just days before it comes to an end this summer, and the club will have to make a huge decision on whether to offer him fresh terms. De Bruyne is currently on around £400,000 a week.

Yamal coveted (ESPN)

FC Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal is expected to be pursued by every major club in Europe:

Real Madrid are among the teams constantly asking about Barcelona star Lamine Yamal’s situation, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Catalonia-based sports daily reports that Madrid are in regular contact with Yamal’s agent, Jorge Mendes, but are told each time that they have no chance of signing him. Paris Saint-Germain, who Barça have suggested offered €250 million for Yamal last summer, are another side said to be waiting to see how the 17-year-old’s contract renewal develops, along with several Premier League sides. Yamal’s current terms expire in 2026, but ESPN has previously revealed there is a verbal agreement to extend his deal until 2030 when he turns 18, although there are claims it may have to be slightly renegotiated following his explosion in form. Speaking last week, the Spain international said he loves the club and suggested everything will be resolved “in July,” which is when he will celebrate his 18th birthday.

Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show: Season 7, Episode 31 (Bavarian Football Works)

Bayern Munich continues to push forward through a rugged month of February — and yet again, the Bavarians came away with a win over a quality opponent.

We’ve got a lot to say about Bayern Munich’s win over Eintracht Frankfurt, but also some thoughts on the unique situation that Max Eberl is in where he is both failing and succeeding (we’ll explain). This is what we have on tap for this episode of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show:

The aftermath of Bayern Munich vs. Eintracht Frankfurt — what worked? What didn’t? Why this was such a refreshing game to watch.

Why this win proved that Kompany needs to embrace his squad depth, rotate more, and avoid the same pitfalls that put him in a spot where so many key players are injured.

Eberl is getting work done in locking up many key players — with a few more on tap, including Joshua Kimmich and Dayot Upamecano.