The Bayern Insider: Diomande transfer truth and Chelsea laughed off as Premier League eyes Eichhorn | OneFootball

Welcome to today’s exclusive & comprehensive round-up of all things Bayern Munich from Bayern insider Christian Falk. Featuring updates on Yan Diomande, Kennet Eichhorn, Said El Mala and Harry Kane.

Today’s top stories

It was very impressive what Bayern Munich managed to do in Bergamo. Now, everyone is full of the belief that they can win the Champions League this season. It was the same place where Borussia Dortmund were knocked out of the tournament ahead of the round of 16. I can tell you that I was sitting at the banquet held by Bayern after the game. For those who don’t know how these work, the shortlist is invited to the midnight banquet after the match. There are two to three tables for the players, sponsors, and the club bosses, and in the corner, there is always a media table, and we’re always happy to be there!

There’s a gentleman’s agreement in place that we don’t report what’s happening after the big speech from the CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen. That said, we can say what the speech was about. I won’t say that they were disrespectful about Borussia Dortmund, but there was a tongue-in-cheek comment made along the lines of, “Ah, we’ve done it in a place where some German teams instead get knocked out of the Champions League.” This was the talk around the tables: how can Borussia Dortmund lose 1-4 here when Bayern are able to win 6-1? You know how it is with a rival. It’s like Arsenal and Tottenham, with the laughter going to the winning sides.

Could Michael Olise win the Ballon d’Or?

(Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

I spoke to Vincent Kompany after the 6-1 win over Atalanta, and he suggested that Michael Olise could be a Ballon d’Or winner, but the Frenchman’s development isn’t over! He thought back on his time spent with Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City, having watched his Belgian compatriot blossom into a world-class midfielder. He sees the same trajectory with Olise, and he’s working hard on developing the winger. Kompany knows exactly what he needs to do with him. Despite scoring two goals and being named man of the match, Kompany was keen to emphasise that Olise needs to do more. This is the way Vincent Kompany is coaching his team, constantly installing a sense of hunger in the squad.

It’s worth noting that Michael Olise never speaks to the media in Germany; he doesn’t give any interviews or speak in the mixed zone. So it was really a big surprise when he appeared on CBS Sports after the game. I met him just before he popped on the channel; we ran into each other inside the stadium, and I was wondering if he was going to make a TV appearance. I can tell you that he was really nervous. People aren’t used to seeing Olise involved in interviews. It may have been only three sentences he gave to his former France boss, Thierry Henry, but that’s a lot for him! He was really nervous. He’s a shy guy outside of the pitch.

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Bart Verbruggen to the Bundesliga?

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

❌ It is NOT TRUE: Bayern Munich have some lingering interest in Bart Verbruggen. Indeed, FC Bayern are talking about the future because, at the moment, no one knows if Manuel Neuer is going to sign a new contract. He’s going to turn 40 at the end of March, but the plan is clear: Jonas Urbig as No.1. They also plan to give Sven Ulreich (37) a new contract. This wasn’t clear before, as he’s also not on the young side for a goalkeeper. However, he will be needed!

Jonas Urbig was sadly injured after the game after a knock to his head. He was taken to the hospital and is now out of action for eight-10 days. However, Neuer is also still injured, so Ulreich will go into goal in the meantime. And Bayern are thinking of giving him a one-year contract. Perhaps if Manuel Neuer signs a contract, that’s it – so no Verbruggen. But the retired international still has yet to sign a contract extension, and if he ends up not doing so, Bayern are searching for an older, experienced goalkeeper. But not a goalkeeper like Bart Verbruggen who will want the No.1 spot for himself.

Inter Milan reignite interest in Kim Min-jae

✅ It is TRUE: Inter Milan are interested in Kim Min-jae. Inter, however, aren’t the only club; AC Milan are also watching the South Korean international. They’re thinking about Kim, but at the moment, I’m not sure if he himself wants a transfer. At the moment, he’s quite comfortable with his current role at Bayern Munich. Chelsea have also knocked on his door, but Bayern say they are fine with the situation. If there is an offer of €30m [£26m] or €40m [£34.5m], they can have talks, but there is no offer on the table. Kim Min-jae also has no intention of asking the club bosses for a transfer. So, at the moment, it’s a little bit quiet. But it’s true that these clubs are interested in him, as he’s doing a very good job at the moment as the backup defender behind Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano.

Man City competition for Givairo Read

✅ It is TRUE: Bayern Munich face serious competition from Manchester City for Givairo Read. Bayern are wary of this. I heard they’re now trying to make a quick deal and start talks with Feyenoord right now. That’s because they’ve already been in touch with the player – he knows FC Bayern want him.

But now they have to hurry because if Premier League clubs make wild offers that push up the transfer fee beyond the point Bayern are currently thinking about (about €20m-30m [£17.2m-26m]) for Read, it could complicate matters. They want to make a quick deal so they don’t have to worry about Man City getting involved. FC Bayern will have to withdraw from the poker if it gets too expensive.

Chelsea to try and poach Aleksandar Pavlović?

(Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

❌ It is NOT TRUE: Chelsea are set to approach Bayern over Aleksandar Pavlović. He’s feeling very well at Bayern Munich. It’s worth pointing out that Pavlović’s agent is Dieter Hoeneß, a former Bayern player and the younger brother of Uli Hoeneß (and I think everyone knows who this is! He’s the godfather at Bayern Munich). So, if there were any hint of interest in Pavlović, he would be the first to hear it and would say no. Don’t forget that the midfielder has been a Bayern player since he was in the academy. Aleksandar Pavlović recently told the media that his dream would be to play out his whole career at Bayern Munich. Not exactly a come-and-get-me plea to the Premier League!

Bayern want to sign Archie Gray?

❌ It is NOT TRUE: Bayern are keen on Tottenham star Archie Gray (19). Bayern Munich would be happy to have a player like the teenager in their squad, but the position is the problem. The club doesn’t want to make a transfer in this position at the moment. It wouldn’t be cheap for starters, and this is the main problem, as Max Eberl is not allowed to pay a lot of money! But I heard that Borussia Dortmund have an eye on Gray, as Julian Brandt is set to call time on his career in Dortmund at the end of the season in search of a new club. This is why BVB are searching for a new player in this position, like Archie Gray. He could be the successor to Brandt at Dortmund, but not at Bayern Munich.

Man Utd and Arsenal eyeing Kennet Eichhorn

✅ It is TRUE: Both Manchester United and Arsenal have Kennet Eichhorn on their lists for the summer. Bayern Munich are aware of this. They called the agents and informed them that the club really want him. However, the teenager’s position could also be a problem in this case. Eichhorn also wants playing time and is talking with his family about what the future could bring for him. He’s injured at the moment, so he does have time for this and to think things through. A step in the Premier League could be interesting for him if clubs offer him enough playing time. At Bayern Munich, yes, he could have a more quiet role, given the club already has the likes of Aleksandar Pavlović, Joshua Kimmich, and Konrad Laimer, who could be back in midfield if they sign Read, and they also have Tom Bischof.

Clubs like Eintracht Frankfurt are also interested in Kennet Eichhorn. However, given the nature of the clubs likewise interested in the 16-year-old, it’s clear that Frankfurt already has a big problem in this transfer poker.

Yan Diomande falls out of Bayern shortlist

✅ It is TRUE: Yan Diomande is no longer a priority for Bayern’s decision-makers. He obviously has so much quality and is playing very well in the Bundesliga this term. So, he’s not off the list because he’s a poor player, but rather because he’s too good and too expensive! Bayern know how much RB Leipzig are looking for in a transfer fee (negotiations will start at €100m [£86.2m]) and it’s a lot! Certainly more than what Bayern are prepared to pay at the moment. And the fact of the matter is that they already have Luis Diaz, who is the main man on the left side. They can’t pay so much money for what would effectively be a backup signing. So, it’s hard for Bayern Munich, given they love the player, but they won’t be involved in the poker with Premier League clubs. He’s too expensive.

Could Kevin Schade be a good alternative?

(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

✅ It is TRUE: Bayern Munich are monitoring Kevin Schade. However, it’s not true that he’s high up on the shortlist. It’s a similar case to Diomande in the sense that he’s too expensive. I heard from Brentford’s side that they would start the poker at €70m [£60.3m]. This is too much. Perhaps they know it’s too much, and in the end, they won’t get this kind of money for him. There are so many Brentford rumours at the moment. Also, the striker, Igor Thiago, was linked to Bayern, but the club isn’t searching for this kind of player. But they are looking for a player like Schade. Bayern Munich are monitoring his situation, but it would be too difficult to sign him for this kind of money. So, it’s good for Chelsea, it’s good for Tottenham (I heard he’s on the list there as well). For Bayern, it would be interesting, given he’s a German player who could be involved with the national team, perhaps even for the upcoming World Cup if he’s lucky. But for the time being, Bayern don’t have him down as their number one target.

Brighton to beat Bayern to Said El Mala

✅ It is TRUE: Brighton could beat Bayern to Said El Mala with a family-centric proposal. There has been a recent change in the player’s agency, with his mother taking over agent duties after he left his last agency. It’s very interesting, as they already have concrete offers from Brighton on the table. He can earn a salary of €3.5m [£3m] but Brighton had a very clever idea. I heard they are also interested in his brother, Malek El Mala (20). If you’re the mother of two players and a club comes by and is happy to take both of your sons, perhaps it’s a good argument!

At Bayern Munich, they know the player, and he’s on the list, but Said El Mala is also not high up on the list because he’s a player who needs a lot of space. But this isn’t a good fit for Bayern’s playing style, as players in the offence don’t tend to have a lot of space to work with. But he’s a German player; he could be a German national player, which is why he’s always interesting. He’s not so expensive – €40m would be a lot for FC Köln. If somebody would be prepared to pay this, then great, but at the moment, it’s not hot at Bayern Munich.

Harry Kane’s contract latest

It was very interesting to see Harry Kane’s brother, Charlie, and his father, Pat, at the match against Atalanta. They were sitting at the table next to Harry at the banquet, and both are his agents. So, you see that they are very close to the club at the moment. I heard that both sides want to start the negotiations now before the World Cup, as Bayern Munich are aware of the fact that he could get very expensive if he ends up playing very well at the tournament. You know, England have a German coach in Thomas Tuchel, so the chances are good! To be honest, Bayern already know he’s one of the top earners at the club at around €25m [£21.5m]. If he signs a new contract, he could ask for more, and then Bayern would have to pay that from now until 2027. If they wait, perhaps the salary could stay on this level, as Harry isn’t getting any younger! Perhaps he could earn a little more thanks to a signing-on fee, so Bayern Munich are starting the talks now, but slowly. They’d be glad to see him sign a new contract before the World Cup.

Could Jonathan David sign for Bayern?

(Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

✅ It is TRUE: Bayern Munich was watching Jonathan David before his move to Juventus. But then they decided that he’s not a Bayern player, which is why they didn’t go against Juve in the poker. I don’t think they’ll go back in this direction and change their mind, as he didn’t show the necessary qualities in Italy either! At the moment, I don’t think this is an idea Bayern are considering.

Bayern keeping a close eye on Louey Ben Farhat

✅ It is TRUE: Bayern Munich are keeping an eye on Louey Ben Farhat. Scouts from the club attended the 3-3 draw between Karlsruher and Dresden (in which Ben Farhat scored). They think he’s an interesting option for the club. He’s 19 years old, so a player they can develop, and one who won’t expect regular minutes in the first team. He could be interesting, but at the moment, Bayern want to first sort out the right-back position, then backup for Luis Diaz, and if there’s money left after all of this, this could be an interesting option behind Harry Kane. If it doesn’t work, it’s not the end of the world, as Bayern have secured a new contract with Serge Gnabry. In the minds of the Bayern bosses, Gnabry is currently considered Kane’s backup.