Bavarian Football Works

João Palhinha did everything he could to stay at Bayern Munich this summer. But when the opportunity came to move to Tottenham Hotspur, the Portuguese midfielder was happy for his fresh start. And it is a chance he has grabbed with both hands.

The change of environment has been everything for Palhinha, who is now a mainstay in Thomas Frank’s Spurs side and scoring entertaining and crucial goals.

“[Last season] was a difficult season for me,” Palhinha revealed in recent comments captured by @iMiaSanMia. “I was injured and was out for longer than I’d expected. After that, I didn’t get the chances I think I deserved [at Bayern], which also had an impact on my playing time with the national team. But these are phases. Our careers thrive on phases. Now, I’m going through a happy phase in my life. A new club, a new project, in a league that’s not new to me and that I’m enjoying again.

“At Tottenham, I’ve had chances I didn’t have before. I feel complete confidence in the people who wanted me to join the club. In this case, the manager. When we feel this confidence and that we’re wanted somewhere, I think that’s where we should be. I made this decision very easily. These chances are making me once again show what I’m capable of. I’m very happy with this new challenge and just want to enjoy the Premier League to the fullest.”

Palhinha never got off on the right foot at Bayern. Injuries aside, he arrived as the coach who wanted him originally departed. And the new manager, Vincent Kompany, had a noticeably distinct style of play. Sometimes a change of environment is for the best.

The 30-year-old is only on loan this season, but with how well he is integrating, his chances for sticking around permanently look good at the moment.

There has been a lot of talk about a potential return to England for Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane.

One person who would love to see it happen is Tottenham Hotspur coach Thomas Frank, who would like to see Kane back with his old club.

“There are a lot of Tottenham fans, including myself who would like to see Kane back. Personally, I don’t think he will do it right now, if I’m honest. He’ll probably stay in Bayern and continue performing well. He was the top scorer last year. He won the title and he’s doing fantastic now. I don’t know what he’s thinking. Myself, I’m a traveller, I like to explore things as well, so he’s been here for many years, so why not enjoy the time in Bayern a little bit more. But he’s welcome. If he wants to join us, he’s more than welcome,” said Frank (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).

There could be a lot more stories like this one given the recent news about Kane needing to notify Bayern Munich in January if he intends to leave during the summer.

Surely, though, a lot of clubs in England would like to have Kane on their squad — not just Tottenham Hotspur.

Bayern Munich will host Werder Bremen in a Bundesliga match that — on paper — looks a little lopsided.

Okay, a lot lopsided.

The Bavarians are scorching hot and Werder Bremen has a slew of injuries, which makes for what could be a very tough challenge against a Bayern Munich team than can just wear down the opposition.

Let’s get into it — this is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show:

What to watch for with Werder Bremen. Die Werderaner are banged up, but does still have some talent. Will it be enough to shock Bayern Munich? We doubt it.

A look at Bayern Munich’s injury situation.

A guess at Bayern Munich’s starting XI.

A prediction on the match.

Support Bavarian Podcast Works on Patreon!

If you like our podcasts and want more, or just want to listen our episodes ad-free, then support us on Patreon! Every single dollar will be used to help boost the coverage of the team we all love. Mia San Mia.

DONATE NOW!

Also, be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Check us out on Patreon and follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @BavarianPodcast @TheBarrelBlog, @BFWCyler, @2012nonexistent, @TommyAdams71 and more.

Things are going well for Bayern Munich loanee João Palhinha at Tottenham Hotspur and both sides want to continue to work together after this season:

João Palhinha is keen to stay in Tottenham beyond next summer. The original agreement has an option to buy, which is set at €30m. That was something that both Tottenham and the player were very keen on factoring in as part of the deal. Palhinha, in particular, viewed the loan as being contingent on having that option to buy because he would like to be permanently back in the Premier League. If Tottenham choose to take up the option, the player will be very happy with that.

Sometimes, a transfer is simply about fit. At Bayern Munich, Palhinha had trouble finding how he fit within Vincent Kompany’s system. At Tottenham Hotspur, Palhinha’s transition has been seamless. With things going well, it appears that Bayern Munich could add €30 million to its war chest for what could be a busy summer of 2026.

What makes the Bundesliga the best league in the world?

Is it the screamers from 30 yards? The global superstars? Or the fact that on any given day, the underdog can win 4–3?

In this episode of The Bundesliga Rundown, Marcus shares why—in his opinion—the Bundesliga stands apart: the legendary 50+1 rule.

Here’s what’s inside:

A quick background on the 50+1 rule

Why the tide may be changing among football fans: are people starting to realise that romanticism matters more than success on the pitch?

Union Berlin! The underdog from the East

Union of yesterday: from donating blood to save their club, to playing at the Santiago Bernabéu

Union of today: defensive but lethal

Steffen Baumgart: the Bundesliga’s most energetic coach

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If you like our podcasts and want more, or just want to listen our episodes ad-free, then support us on Patreon! Every single dollar will be used to help boost the coverage of the team we all love. Mia San Mia.

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If you’re on Instagram, be sure to follow the Bundesliga Rundown at @TheBundesligaRundown

Also, be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Check us out on Patreon and follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @BavarianPodcast @TheBarrelBlog, @BFWCyler, @2012nonexistent, @TommyAdams71 and more.

🚨⚪️ Official offer from Tottenham to RB Leipzig for Xavi #Simons – 100% confirmed, with both clubs in direct contact today.

Tottenham are pushing. Xavi Simons is in London.

An agreement between Leipzig and Tottenham is seen as a matter of time. RB demand €70m including add-ons. No decision for now – it’s up to Xavi and any potential Chelsea movement.

🚨💣 BREAKING | Tottenham are now preparing to hijack the imminent deal for #Xavi Simons to Chelsea.

Xavi has been excused from team duties due to contract talks and is no longer in Leipzig, as RB confirm. #CFC #COYS

Xavi and Chelsea still have a full agreement in place – and Chelsea remain very much in the race, now alongside Tottenham. Leipzig are waiting for official offers.

@philipphinze24 @SkySportDE

Bayern Munich is currently scrambling to get players to fill in for different positions in the team to help get them by while other players work on their recovery. The midfield is one of those short in players, and Bayern went and loaned out one of them. He then went on to become the Man of the Match against big Manchester City.

João Palhinha had himself a day with Tottenham Hotspur, producing this display (Sofa Score via @iMiaSanMia):

His goal came from pouncing on a loose ball in the box. This stemmed from Man City goalkeeper James Trafford’s pass out of the back intended for Nico González getting intercepted by Pape Matar Sarr; Trafford ended up parrying it to Palhinha in an attempt to divert the ball from Richarlison. Brennan Johnson got Tottenham’s other goal, eleven minutes prior.

This puts Spurs joint second in the Premier League so far after two matches, alongside Arsenal.

Bayern Munich defensive midfielder João Palhinha has joined Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur in a loan move that feels more like the prelude to an exit. But it will be up to Spurs to decide the Portuguese international has offered enough to trigger a buy clause.

So what is Tottenham getting? An old friend — Spurs legend, now Bayern striker Harry Kane — offered his two cents.

”He’s tough, he tackles hard, he’s good on the ball, he knows the Premier League well from his time at Fulham and he’s a guy that will give everything for you,” Kane said for @SpursOfficial (as captured by @iMiaSanMia) after the recent preseason friendly between the two clubs, which Bayern won 4-0. “I know he’s going to a good place and he’ll hopefully get some more game time and show what he can do.”

Palhinha did not have a good time getting on the field in his one season in Bavaria, partly due to injury and partly due to fit. But if all goes well, he will join former Bayern teammate Mathys Tel in the loan-to-transfer pipeline from Säbener Straße to Hotspur Way.

Rumors emerged on Saturday that Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Liverpool FC were all poised to make a move for Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane after this season.

Well, there could be one more club in the mix — FC Barcelona:

Tottenham could strongly ponder a move to bring Harry Kane back next year when a clause in his Bayern Munich deal activates, with Barcelona also keen. As per Fichajes, Barcelona are also in the mix if the release clause in Kane’s contract comes true. The Catalans have a formidable striker in Robert Lewandowski, who, much like the Bayern Munich mainstay, has continued to show immense form in front of goal.

However, the ageing Polish star may need to be replaced at some stage, and this is where Barcelona might consider making the move for Kane. Whether they can conjure up a deal for the talismanic English striker remains to be seen, but teams like Tottenham will be on alert if they sniff an opportunity to bring their former player back.

The presence of Lewandowski would seemingly block this kind of move, but the Polish Hitman’s future could be up in the air in Catalonia as well. The striker’s contracts ends after this season, which could make him a candidate for an exit.

As it stands, the early noise sure makes it seem like Kane could be looking to leave Bavaria after this season.

Benjamin Šeško is officially a player for Manchester United:

Bayern Munich was a fan of Šeško. The move to Manchester United takes one more option for a successor to Harry Kane off the table for 2026/27.

Bayern Munich is off to a great start in the preseason, but the roster might not be settled just yet. Max Eberl and company could still have some work to do during this transfer window when it comes to incoming and outgoing transfers. Let’s talk about it all!

This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:

Bayern Munich should have fans feeling good about where things stand so far.

Al Nassr wants Kingsley Coman, but is this the right time to sell.

Lennart Karl is going to ink a new deal.

Where do things stand with Bayern Munich, VfB Stuttgart, and Nick Woltemade? Let’s catch up on the topic of the summer.

Support Bavarian Podcast Works on Patreon!

If you like our podcasts and want more, or just want to listen our episodes ad-free, then support us on Patreon! Every single dollar will be used to help boost the coverage of the team we all love. Mia San Mia.

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Tottenham Hotspur has a deep and talented roster, but that might not stop it from trying to pry Jack Grealish away from Manchester City. Pep Guardiola has no use for the player, but Grealish has not exactly been beating the drum to leave either:

Tottenham are considering signing Manchester City’s Jack Grealish. Grealish did not fit into Pep Guardiola’s plans last season and made the starting XI in just seven Premier League matches. After Maddison was ruled out for the season and Morgan Gibbs-White was not brought in, the club are looking for a new No.10. Meanwhile, Ian Darke believes as reported by TottenhamHotspurNews, Spurs could now step up their pursuit of Grealish.

Frank’s tactics requires a player who can control the ball, create chances and set the tempo and Grealish is a master of that. The 29-year-old’s experience and proven ability in the Premier League could reinvent Spurs’ attack.

Newcastle United could be poised to make a move for Paris Saint Germain attacker Randal Kolo Muani:

🚨⚫️⚪️ BREAKING | Newcastle United have opened negotiations with Randal Kolo Muani!

The 26 y/o is now high on Newcastle’s shortlist after their move for Benjamin Sesko fell through. While #NUFC are exploring other options, Kolo Muani is a concrete target. Contract with Paris Saint-Germain valid until 2028.

Bayern Munich hosted Tottenham Hotspur in the ever-important Telekom Cup, which the Bavarians were able to smash the visitors 4-0 in a match that saw Bayern’s young players make a big impact in substitute roles.

Let’s talk about all of that and more on the Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show. This is what we have on tap:

A look at the starting XI and our thoughts on why this lineup might not be too far off from what Vincent Kompany uses to begin the season.

Leon Goretzka could have potentially sealed up a starting role, but he missed on three good goal-scoring chances.

It’s hard to figure out why there is a debate at left-back between who to start between Josip Stanišić over Raphaël Guerreiro.

A rundown of the scoring and substitutions.

Bayern Munich looked…dangerous.

Some final thoughts and takeaways on the match.

Support Bavarian Podcast Works on Patreon!

If you like our podcasts and want more, or just want to listen our episodes ad-free, then support us on Patreon! Every single dollar will be used to help boost the coverage of the team we all love. Mia San Mia.

DONATE NOW!

Also, be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Check us out on Patreon and follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @BavarianPodcast @TheBarrelBlog, @BFWCyler, @2012nonexistent, @TommyAdams71 and more.

With Benjamin Šeško now at Manchester United, RB Leipzig could take a look at former Bayern Munich transfer target Ricardo Pepi to help fill the void:

PSV forward Ricardo Pepi is a candidate to replace Sesko at RB Leipzig, Footmercato has revealed. The USMNT international is wanted by a host of clubs, having previously been the subject of a €30m bid from Premier League side Fulham. Leipzig will have to bid much higher if they wish to sign Pepi, who scored 18 goals in 29 Eredivisie games last season. He is viewed as an “important player” by PSV, who have already lost Malik Tillman, Johan Bakayoko and Noa Lang since the transfer window opened last month.

Early Saturday, Newcastle United looked like it might be getting closer to a deal with AC Milan for Malick Thiaw:

🚨⚪️⚫️ Newcastle have improved their proposal to AC Milan for Malick Thiaw as personal terms are agreed.

Negotiations underway club to club, as Milan manager Allegri wants to keep Thiaw; but improved bid has now been submitted.

As Saturday would develop, Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg reported that AC Milan and Newcastle United had reached a deal for Thiaw:

🚨⤵️ Malick #Thiaw joins Newcastle after the agreement was reached, as exclusively revealed today. AC Milan are to receive €42m in total (38+4). He will arrive on Sunday, with his medical scheduled for Monday. #NUFC @berger_pj

Let’s catch up on the comings and goings of the last few days. This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show:

Bavarian Football Works is still migrating...trust us, we are waiting to fire away.

Tarek Buchmann’s rumored move to 1. FC Nürnberg is now official -let’s talk about the details and what it means for his future.

Thomas Müller is still rocking his Bayern Munich kit and training with the team, but don’t get your hopes up.

The Bayern Munich big wigs had a secret meeting and Bild has the details. You might not like what you hear!

Did Bayern Munich make the right decision in keeping Serge Gnabry and Leon Goretzka? What about Kim Min-jae? Who might still go? We might know.

Support Bavarian Podcast Works on Patreon!

If you like our podcasts and want more, or just want to listen our episodes ad-free, then support us on Patreon! Every single dollar will be used to help boost the coverage of the team we all love. Mia San Mia.

DONATE NOW!

Also, be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Check us out on Patreon and follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @BavarianPodcast @TheBarrelBlog, @BFWCyler, @2012nonexistent, @TommyAdams71 and more.

Tottenham have plotted a course for a sensational return for Harry Kane after details of the release clause in his Bayern Munich were revealed.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have said about the 32-year-old’s future and a possible return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

O’Rourke explained that Tottenham’s first refusal on any deal for the Bayern Munich star has put them in a strong position as they consider a potential reunion.

“Obviously if a player like Harry Kane is willing to come back to the Premier League, there will be clubs very much interested,” he told Football Insider. “The big question is which English club will be looking to bring him back to the Premier League? Obviously, he’s the second-highest goalscorer in the Premier League behind Alan Shearer, so that might be in his mind to come back and break that record. He’s got a release clause which decreases the closer it gets to the end of his Bayern Munich contract. So he could be available from January for around £56million, which would be a bargain for Kane. The only negative is his age, he’s 32 now and will be 33 next season, will any of the elite clubs be willing to go out and sign him?

“If Harry Kane does become available next summer, clubs will be interested. Tottenham have first refusal on the deal, so could bring Kane back. It’s part of the contract, Daniel Levy admitted it after Harry made the move to Bayern Munich. Basically, they can match any other club’s bid for Harry Kane, so if they’re willing to being him back they can do a deal and it would be a popular one among their fans. Any move is a way away, there will be more talk about this from January onwards into next summer, but for now his focus is on Bayern Munich.”

After watching his team get trounced 4-0 at the hands of Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank came away thoroughly impressed with the Bavarians.

In fact, Frank thinks Bayern Munich is one of a handful of teams capable of winning the Champions League this season.

“We were obviously playing a very good team. Bayern in my opinion are one of the teams that probably are favourites to win the Champions League. They hit a good level, we didn’t hit a good level, that’s a bad combination but we will definitely learn from this one,” Frank told Tottenham Hotspur’s club website (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).

Bayern Munich was, indeed, impressive in the Telekom Cup victory over Tottenham. There is a long road to hoe before anyone can start thinking about winning Europe’s biggest tournament, though. As of now, Bayern Munich’s odds (per FanDuel) to win the UCL are + 1000.

Looking for thoughts and analysis on Bayern Munich rousing 4-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Telekom Cup? Awesome, then we have you covered with our Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show! We’ve got a look at the starting XI and our thoughts on why this lineup might not be too far off from what Vincent Kompany uses to begin the season, a rundown of the scoring and substitutions, and some final thoughts and takeaways on the match. You can get the show on Patreon, Acast, Spotify, any leading podcast distributor, or below:

Also, be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Check us out on Patreon and follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @BavarianPodcast @TheBarrelBlog, @BFWCyler, @2012nonexistent, @TommyAdams71 and more.