BAYERN'S BOLD MOVE: EBERL PLANS JANUARY TALKS TO SNATCH MARC GUEHI FREE AGENT
Marc Guehi is set to be a 2026 free agent after refusing a new Palace deal. Bayern Munich is pushing hard, with director Max Eberl set for direct talks on January 1.
Sky Sports is all over Marc Guehi's future, and things are getting clearer. The Crystal Palace captain is one of the Premier League's most solid defenders. It looks like he'll be a hot free agent in the summer of 2026. Word is that sporting director Max Eberl already met with the player’s agent and is planning more talks. This shows how serious Bayern Munich is about him as a long-term option.
Dayot Upamecano's contract is up in the air, so Bayern is getting ready, and Guehi is high on their list. Sky Sports says Eberl will have new talks on January 1, this time with the Englishman himself, a big step in chasing him.
Contract Trouble Creates Big Chance
Guehi isn't signing a new deal with Crystal Palace. His contract ends in 2026, which has given Europe's top teams a rare chance. Liverpool, Barcelona, and Real Madrid are all watching. But Bayern is moving the fastest.
He's been consistent, mature, and a leader, making him important at Palace, even though he's said he's leaving. Sky Sports mentioned he continues to give his all for the Eagles, like when he scored the winning goal in the 2-1 derby win at Fulham.
Guehi's Growth Under Oliver Glasner
Under Oliver Glasner, Guehi has gone from a good defender to a real Premier League star. He's great at spotting danger early, staying calm under pressure, and leading the defence. This has been key to Palace's quick improvement this season.
Guehi's story, from Chelsea academy player to Palace icon, is already amazing. He signed for about 23.3 million euros in 2021 and has played 146 games since then, with eight goals and seven assists. He's also played for England 26 times, and that number will certainly go up.
Someone close to the talks said Guehi wants to know what's happening early in the year. Bayern is being respectful and has big plans, which he likes. This fits with his reputation as someone who values stability and planning for the future.
Big Battle for a Premier League Leader
The fight to get Guehi is becoming a major story this window. Bayern is making a strong push, but Liverpool and other big teams are also interested, keeping things interesting.
Sky Sports' reporting asks a good question: Who will win the race in Guehi poker, as they call it? He can start talking to teams in January, so the big moves are about to happen.
MATTHAUS WARNS KOMPANY: DO NOT CHANGE ATTACKING STYLE DESPITE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EXIT
Bayern have secured the Bundesliga! Read why Matthaus wants more "spectacular football" despite the 6-5 aggregate loss to PSG.
Lothar Matthaus has called on Vincent Kompany to continue with his attacking style, despite Bayern Munich's exit from the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. The German legend feels Bayern’s entertaining approach shouldn’t be altered even though their defence showed vulnerabilities during the 6-5 aggregate loss in the semi-finals.
After conceding six goals over two legs, Bayern’s Champions League run came to an end. While the defeat exposed defensive issues, it also highlighted the offensive strategy Kompany has brought to the team. These defensive struggles aren’t limited to Europe either; high-scoring Bundesliga matches, like the 4-3 win over Mainz and the 3-3 draw with Heidenheim, have revealed a back line that’s still trying to find the right balance between taking risks and maintaining solidity.
Matthaus, who once captained Bayern, stresses that the club should stick with Kompany’s attacking mindset, even if it leaves them open at the back. He pointed out, “With such an attacking style of play, you can't defend everything, of course. Yes, they've conceded quite a few goals, but they’re still having a successful season and are close to winning the double. They’ve even made it to the Champions League semi-finals.”
The return of excitement at the Allianz Arena was clear, especially during the second leg when Ousmane Dembele’s early goal stunned the crowd. Although Harry Kane’s late equaliser wasn’t enough to turn the tie around, Matthaus sees positives in the bigger picture. He believes Bayern has brought back the thrill and flair fans expect.
“While Bayern didn’t play their best in the semi-final second leg against PSG, they have entertained throughout the year. I look forward to their matches because they’re usually packed with goals. Bayern stands for spectacular football, and this season has been no different. I wouldn’t move away from that style,” Matthaus shared.
With the focus shifting back to domestic competitions, Bayern have already secured the Bundesliga championship. They still have two league games left against Wolfsburg and Koln before preparing for the DFB-Pokal final against Stuttgart on May 23.
BAYERN MUNICH RULE OUT MARCUS RASHFORD MOVE REGARDLESS OF ANTHONY GORDON OUTCOME
Marcus Rashford is not a target for Bayern Munich this summer, as the club focuses entirely on signing Gordon from Newcastle.
Bayern Munich aren’t considering a move for Marcus Rashford this summer, no matter what happens with Anthony Gordon. That’s according to a German reporter who’s close to the story.
Right now, Rashford is wrapping up his loan at Barcelona. He’s set to return to Manchester United at the end of the season. Barcelona have an option to make the deal permanent for €30 million (£26 million) in the summer. Both Rashford and Barcelona want him to stay, but here’s the catch: the club doesn’t want to pay the full €30 million.
Barcelona would rather keep Rashford on loan for another year or get him for a lower fee. Manchester United’s not having it. They want the full price, so Barcelona are starting to look at other players.
Rashford hasn’t made a secret of where he wants to be. Earlier in the season, he told Sport, one of the local Barcelona papers, about how much he wants to stay, saying, “Of course, what I want is to stay at Barca. It’s the ultimate goal.” He talked about the pressure and expectations at the club, saying they keep him motivated and that he feels like he’s in the perfect environment to grow and win trophies. For now, though, it’s all up in the air until next summer.
Last year, Bayern Munich actually showed some interest in Rashford before he went to Barcelona. But now, they’re focused on signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for the left wing. The problem is, Gordon’s interested, but Newcastle’s price is ridiculous, reportedly around £80 million (€92.6 million). That’s much higher than what Bayern’s willing to pay. They’re thinking closer to £60 million (€69.4 million), and maybe with add-ons or an instalment plan. If Newcastle won’t budge, it probably isn’t happening.
Christian Falk, a trusted journalist from Bild, says Bayern aren’t considering Rashford as a backup if they can’t land Gordon. Bayern’s got a short list of players for the left wing, and Rashford isn’t on it. Gordon’s their main focus, but even if that deal falls through, Rashford’s not the next in line.
So at this stage, Bayern and Rashford won’t be coming together this summer, even if Gordon stays at Newcastle. That’s just not in the plans.