Palhinha wanted back at Sporting, Tottenham option expires Monday
Sporting are pulling out all the stops to bring João Palhinha home. The Portuguese club is offering their former midfielder the highest salary in the squad and the captain's armband to convince him to return (1). Tottenham's purchase option on the Bayern midfielder expires Monday, meaning Sporting could have a clear path if Spurs don't act by the end of the day. For Bayern, losing Palhinha would punch a hole in midfield depth that already looked thin at times last season.
Olise named best offensive player in the world
Michael Olise has been named the best offensive player in the world, a staggering individual honor for the Bayern winger (2). It caps a remarkable season where he also earned a spot in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season alongside Harry Kane (4) (7). No other club placed more than two players in that XI. For a team that sometimes struggled to break down stubborn defenses, having the planet's most dangerous attacker on your wing is quite the statement.
Musiala scores on return, Kimmich leads Germany to 4–0 rout
Jamal Musiala scored in his second full match since returning from a serious leg injury as Germany beat Finland in an international friendly (3). "It feels good to play 90 minutes; I haven't scored in a while, so I'm taking a good feeling into the next games," Musiala said. His form is everything for Bayern heading into next season.
Meanwhile, Joshua Kimmich captained Germany to a 4–0 win over the same opponent, playing at right-back and praising the team's high pressing: "We didn't allow them much over 90 minutes, practically nothing, and deservedly won the game" (8).
Bayern join race for Bournemouth's Kroupi
Bayern Munich have entered the chase for Bournemouth youngster Eli Junior Kroupi, setting up a potential tug-of-war with Arsenal (5) (6). The highly-rated striker is attracting attention after breaking through in the Premier League. With fan discussions pointing to a need for a backup striker and more attacking depth, Kroupi would fit the profile Bayern are looking for this summer.
Fan reactions
Supporters are in celebratory mood after Bayern completed the domestic double with a 3–0 DFB-Pokal final win over Stuttgart, Harry Kane's hat-trick sealing it in style. There's quiet pride too, updated UEFA coefficients put Bayern top of the five-year rankings, above Real Madrid and PSG. But the transfer window chatter is already heating up: fans are debating the most realistic summer signings, with right-back, backup striker, and backup left-winger all circled as needs. Join the discussion
