Daily Schmankerl: Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona competing for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz; Ton…

Bayern, Barca, Madrid lead charge on Wirtz (The Hard Tackle)

Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and FC Barcelona have emerged as the clubs most likely to land Bayer Leverkusen ace Florian Wirtz.

In his first eight matches since returning from a devastating knee injury, Wirtz has tallied two goals and four assists (Wirtz had a goal and an assist in Leverkusen’s win over AS Monaco in the Europa League on Thursday).

He has also shown enough for these three super clubs to have faith that he will find his old form pretty easily:

Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in signing 19-year-old German international Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Florian Wirtz is the subject of interest from Bayern Munich. La Liga heavyweights Barcelona and Real Madrid are also keen on signing the 19-year-old. But Bayer Leverkusen will fight tooth and nail to keep hold of the teenage sensation beyond the summer transfer window.
The three European heavyweights have been interested in the 19-year-old German international for a long time. And with Wirtz regaining fitness and gradually becoming a pivotal figure again for Bayer Leverkusen, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich might sense the opportunity to launch the offensive.

Bayern Munich’s history of interest in Wirtz is well-know, but how the club would integrate him remains a question. Best known for his ability as a No. 10, Bayern Munich already has Jamal Musiala for that role moving forward.

Manager Julian Nagelsmann could find a way to utilize both players, though, right?

Maybe, but whatever move that Wirtz eventually makes will be very expensive — and Bayern Munich will not overpay for a player without a defined play for how he will be used.

Wirtz’s current deal runs through the 2026/27 season, so whichever team ultimately lands the 19-year-old, there will be a hefty payment made to Die Werkself.

Kroos plans to retire as part of Madrid…but when? (@FabrizioRomano)

Toni Kroos is nearing the end of his career, but it is still unclear just how much longer the German legend will play. One thing is certain, however, Kroos will retire as part of Real Madrid:

Bavarian Podcast Works: Weekend Warm-up Podcast Season 2, Episode 33 (Bavarian Football Works)

If you want storylines, Bayern Munich has those in bunches.

The club is embroiled in a crazy title race and also came out with some extremely strong public support for its manager to continue to be its leader for the foreseeable future.

Those two topics generated a lot of buzz these week, plus we heard a couple of juicy transfer rumors, which always make for good conversation.

Check out what we on tap for the Weekend Warm-up Podcast’s latest edition:

The Julian Nagelsmann Era is in full force and won’t be be derailed.
Neymar’s injury and the impact it will have on Paris Saint-Germain’s chances against Bayern Munich.
A contract extension for Benjamin Pavard?
Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona all competing for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz? Or will Bayern make a move for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.
Thoughts on the latest episode of The Last of Us.

BVB wants €150 million for Bellingham (The Athletic via 90Min.com)

Borussia Dortmund reportedly wants €150 million for midfielder Jude Bellingham. Liverpool FC, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Real Madrid are all reportedly in the mix for the English midfielder:

Borussia Dortmund will demand around €150m (£132m) to part ways with star midfielder Jude Bellingham, who is of serious interest to Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Bayern-branded coffee? (@FCBayern)

I am a coffee devotee, but even I have not delved into Bayern Munich-braded coffee. Has anyone? drop your review in the comments…

Bavarian Podcast Works: Preview Show — Bayern Munich vs. Union Berlin (Bavarian Football Works)

A title race in the Bundesliga?

Yup, that is exactly what we have and when Bayern Munich and Union Berlin square off this weekend, two of the three league leaders will do battle in a match that will have major championship implications.

Let’s take a look at what we have on tap for this episode:

A look at where each team is in the Bundesliga table and what their current run of form is.
Examining the fighting spirit of Union Berlin and why the match up is not as absurd as it might appear to be on paper.
A look at Bayern Munich’s potential starting XI and why Julian Nagelsmann is like to leave some fan favorites on the bench once again.
A prediction on the match.

Coman recognized for UCL efforts (@WhoScored via @iMiaSanMia)

Bayern Munich attacker Kingsley Coman was lauded for his efforts against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League:

Is Chelsea Neymar’s only option? (Football Insider)

Chelsea FC might be the only club that can — or will? — take PSG star Neymar for next season:

Chelsea could be the only potential landing spot for Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar if he is to make a Premier League move this summer, sources have told Football Insider. Sources told this site on Monday (20 February) that Liverpool, Man United, Man City and Newcastle have also been contacted about the possibility of signing the 31-year-old.
However, it is believed the Premier League quartet feel a deal is unlikely due to the financial package required to bring Neymar to England. Sources with knowledge of Neymar’s situation have revealed a fee of £70-80million could be enough to prise the 31-year-old away from PSG this summer.
It is also believed the fourth-most capped Brazil star will have to take a pay cut in order to make a move possible. He currently earns a reported wage of almost £1million-a-week in Paris.