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According to reports from Spain, Tottenham Hotspur are one of three big European clubs that have expressed an interest in a Barcelona midfielder.

Jaoa Palhinha has become Tottenham’s fourth signing of the summer, with Thomas Frank delighted to bolster his midfield stocks with Palhinha’s addition.

According to reports, Spurs remain keen on adding an attacking midfielder to their squad after their failed move for Morgan Gibbs-White.

However, it is unclear if the Lilywhites will want to bring another central midfielder through the door, even though Yves Bissouma is expected to leave Tottenham.

A new report from Spain has now suggested that Spurs have explored a move for a young La Liga number six this summer.

Tottenham expressed an interest in Marc Casado

This update comes from Sport and claims that Marc Casado is on Tottenham’s wishlist this summer.

The Spain international played 36 times for the La Liga giants last season, but it is revealed that he is not in Arne Slot’s plans for the future.

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Spurs reportedly contacted Barca to ask about Casado’s availability, while Chelsea and Atletico Madrid are also keeping an eye on the youngster’s situation.

The 21-year-old is expected to be available for a cut-price fee, but Tottenham Hotspur and his other suitors have one problem.

Casado’s stance on his future revealed

Sport claim that Barcelona are ready to sell the Tottenham target for €30m (£26.1m) this summer, with the club keen to raise funds.

However, the issue for Spurs and others is that Casado is reluctant to leave the Catalan side and would prefer to stay and fight for his place.

Interestingly, the outlet asserts Tottenham made an approach for the midfielder before turning their attention to Palhinha.

If that is true, then it means that Spurs are not likely to reignite their interest in the Barca star now that they have secured the 30-year-old’s services.

A big-name forward, who Tottenham Hotspur have held an interest in since January, has snubbed approaches from Spurs and Manchester United, and he is now edging closer to his preferred destination.

Just over a week ago, Thomas Frank confirmed Tottenham may not be done adding to their forward line this summer.

Adding firepower to their frontline may have become an even bigger priority for the Lilywhites following Heung-min Son’s exit from Spurs.

It was reported a few days ago that Tottenham have reignited their interest in Randal Kolo Muani after making an approach for him in January.

It was explained that the Frenchman’s permanent move to Juventus had stalled, thus opening the door for Tottenham Hotspur to swoop for him. However, a new update has now suggested that Thomas Frank’s men have suffered a blow in their pursuit of the PSG star.

Randal Kolo Muani snubs Tottenham and another Premier League club

This update comes from TuttoSport, who claim that the centre-forward has rejected enquiries from both Tottenham and Manchester United.

The report says that the 27-year-old remains keen on returning to the Allianz Stadium and a deal to take him to Turn is progressing in the right direction.

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The outlet asserts that the France international is likely to join Juve on an initial loan deal worth €10m (£8.7m) to €15m (£13m) and an obligation to buy set at €30m (£26.1m), with an agreement now edging closer.

It was previously reported by TBR Football that PSG value Kolo Muani at €50m (£43.3m).

Tottenham are plotting a move for a big-money Brazilian star

Some reports from Spain have claimed that Tottenham want to replace Heung-min Son with Brazilian star Rodrygo this summer.

In fact, Marca have asserted that Spurs have already made an opening offer for Rodrygo after the player expressed a willingness to leave the Santiago Bernabeu.

The same update claimed that Real Madrid value Rodrygo at €70m-€80m (£60.8m-£70m) and that Liverpool and Chelsea are also circling over the winger.

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed Heung-min Son has joined LAFC, bringing an end to his remarkable decade-long spell in north London.

Rumours started doing the rounds after Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League triumph that Heung-min Son’s time at N17 could very much be up this summer.

Reports claimed that the Tottenham captain had left many in the dressing room with the impression that his time at N17 could be up after that historic night in Bilbao.

Son put all rumours regarding his future to rest on Saturday, 1 August, in a press conference in South Korea alongside new boss Thomas Frank, stating that he would depart his beloved Tottenham after a decade-long stay at N17 having joined when he was 23.

Tottenham confirm Heung-min Son LAFC move

Heung-min Son has been linked with several clubs this summer, including sides in Europe, America and the Middle East. However, for some time now, MLS side LA FC have long been touted as favourites to land the Korean star.

Tottenham Hotspur have now confirmed that after a decade-long stay at the club, Heung-min Son has departee for MLS side LA FC.

The former Tottenham captain will now link up with another ex-captain, Hugo Lloris, who is currently the number one shot-stopper for the American outfit.

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Son edged his name into the history books at Tottenham when he ended the club’s 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League as club captain in the 2024/25 season.

Heung-min Son leaves behind iconic Spurs legacy

Several Tottenham fans have been quick to bid farewell to Heung-min Son, who has become synonymous with Tottenham Hotspur.

Son himself declared he was a legend of Tottenham after winning the Europa League in Bilbao, Spain, and would now be departing Spurs two seasons after former teammate Harry Kane’s departure.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy told the official site: “Sonny is one of the greatest players to ever wear the famous Lilywhite shirt and he has been a joy to watch over the past decade. Not only is he a wonderfully gifted footballer, but he’s also an incredible human being who has touched hearts and inspired people throughout the Club and all over the world.

“The Europa League triumph in Bilbao was a truly magical moment in the Club’s history and Sonny lifting the trophy is a perfect lasting memory from his fantastic decade at Tottenham Hotspur.

“Sonny has given so much to this Club, both on and off the pitch, and for that we are forever grateful. We wish him all the best for the future, and he will always be welcome back at the Club as a beloved and cherished member of our Spurs family.”

The Korean star will forever remain a legend at Tottenham Hotspur, and his record on the pitch speaks for itself, with Son leaving Spurs’ fifth all-time top scorer, after grabbing 173 goals in 454 appearances.

Tottenham Hotspur have stepped up their search for a new forward this week, as the club looks at Rafael Leao and Rodrygo to inject more firepower into Thomas Frank’s squad following the exit of Heung-min Son.

Heung-min Son only just announced his departure a few days ago, leaving Tottenham Hotspur’s attack a little thin, as a player who guarantees at least 10 goals and assists leaves Thomas Frank’s attack.

To add to Tottenham’s woes, attacking midfielders James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are out injured and could miss significant parts of the new season.

Spurs have not been standing idle in the summer market, as they have completed five signings, but there is still a need for at least one more player in the attack of Thomas Frank’s team.

Tottenham eye AC Milan’s Rafael Leao and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes

GIVEMESPORT are now reporting that Tottenham are looking to advance on talks to add to their attacking department this summer.

It is believed that Spurs have earmarked AC Milan’s Rafael Leao as a potential target and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes as another option.

It is explained by the outlet that Tottenham’s interest in Leao is genuine, with the Serie A club very much informed about it.

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While there is no rush on the Italian side’s end to sell the 26-year-old Portuguese international, the winger’s liking of Joao Palhinha’s post confirming his move to Tottenham, has only added to the speculation.

Tottenham transfers: Rodrygo, Jack Grealish and Garnacho also considered

Leao managed 12 goals and 11 assists last term, which is a little higher than Son’s 11 goals and assists. However, while Tottenham are reported to be showing interest, it is understood that a deal is currently seen as being too expensive and is being played down.

Rodrygo is another option being considered by Tottenham, who are said to be keeping their options wide open.

The Real Madrid star could be available for far cheaper, with some outlets even claiming that a bid has been sent by Tottenham for Rodrygo.

GIVEMESPORT, however, acknowledge Tottenham’s interest, but has revealed that it remains to be seen if it develops into something more serious.

Tottenham’s transfer priorities for the remainder of the window have now come to light, with Thomas Frank’s side identifying two areas they believe must be strengthened before the market shuts in a few weeks.

There are only 27 days left before the summer window slams shut, a little over a week before Tottenham’s first competitive game against Paris Saint-Germain in the Super Cup and less than two weeks before the Premier League season kicks off.

Yet, Tottenham’s squad is far from perfect, with several gaping holes in need of filling yet to be addressed.

Injuries have already hit the squad, even without a ball having been kicked in a competitive match, with Destiny Udogie and James Maddison currently sidelined. However, with the transfer window still open, Tottenham can address these gaps.

Tottenham targeting a new centre-back and attacking midfielder

Football.london has now revealed the two positions Tottenham are looking to strengthen before the transfer window slams shut on September 1.

According to the publication, Spurs are said to be confident they will have the funds to carry out further transfer plans this summer.

It is claimed that Thomas Frank is reported to be prioritising both a central attacking playmaker and another centre-back with a good level of experience to bolster his options in the backline.

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Of course, these signings are not fixed, as throughout the transfer window, other unexpected opportunities in the market in various positions can arise.

However, it is believed that the main reason for the centre-back need is because Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven both missed key spells through injury in the past two campaigns.

Spurs full-back depth remains a concern under Thomas Frank

This, of course, means that the full-back position is expected to be left unattended, which is rather perplexing given that Tottenham are thin in that area as well.

Asked about his full-back depth, Frank said: “Yeah, I think so [we have enough full-backs] because right now we have Ben and Spence. I thought [Djed] was very good against Arsenal and did very well against Saka, and I think Ben is a very important player,”

This could very much mean that Spurs could turn to makeshift options during the season, should three of their key full-backs be out due to injuries or suspensions.

Brennan Johnson has commented on whether he spoke to his old teammate during Tottenham Hotspur’s failed pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White.

Tottenham Hotspur appeared close to securing the signing of Morgan Gibbs-White just a few weeks ago, with the north London club prepared to trigger the midfielder’s £60million release clause.

A medical was reportedly scheduled within 24 hours, as Spurs geared up for a massive spending spree totalling £105million in the space of two days.

However, the move ultimately collapsed when Nottingham Forest decided to pursue legal action against Tottenham, claiming the club had approached Gibbs-White illegally, forcing the transfer to a grinding halt.

Brennan Johnson reveals if he talked to Morgan Gibbs-White during Tottenham transfer saga

Eventually, the deal failed to materialise, and Morgan Gibbs-White remained at Nottingham Forest, putting pen to paper on a contract extension that now keeps him at the City Ground until 2028.

Now, Brennan Johnson has offered some insight into the saga. Speaking to football.london, the Tottenham forward reflected on the situation and whether he communicated with his old friend and former teammate at Forest.

Johnson revealed that he opted not to reach out during the frenzy, knowing how intense the speculation had become. “I have not because I knew his phone would be all over the place. I did not want to put more pressure on him or anything,” he explained. “Morgan is a great guy. We got on really well and I wish him all the best.”

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Spurs forward Brennan Johnson on Heung-min Son’s exit and what he learned

While Tottenham missed out on their preferred number ten target, the club are now preparing for life without their skipper. Heung-min Son confirmed during pre-season that he would be leaving N17 after a decade at the club.

Johnson, who shares a strong bond with Son, paid tribute to the South Korean icon after scoring in the club’s pre-season friendly against Newcastle in Seoul. Knowing it was Son’s farewell appearance, Johnson celebrated by mimicking the forward’s trademark celebration.

For Johnson, beyond friendship, Son was a mentor on and off the pitch. “I learned loads of things. How he is as a person. How professional he is. Also so much on the pitch. He is a great player, so it is impossible to learn everything he does. He does it at such a high level,” he explained.

“His career speaks for itself. How amazing a player he is. Just little things that I can do. He speaks to me a lot. He likes to tell me bits of advice on how I can become better and little things to help me.

“I am a right-footed player who played on the right a lot last season. You know he is both-footed. He helped me with little techniques on how to improve my left foot and be better at that.

“He is an amazing character and personality. A world-class player. I do not think there would be anybody who would say that they would not want to play with him because of how much of an amazing player and personality he is.”

Thomas Frank has hinted at a new leadership role for Tottenham veteran Ben Davies this season, following the departure of club captain Heung-min Son.

Heung-min Son is set to depart Tottenham this summer following his announcement in South Korea during Spurs’ pre-season tour.

Son’s impending exit will make Ben Davies the oldest player in the Tottenham squad, significantly reducing the level of experience available for the younger players to learn from on and off the pitch.

The Welshman may now be called upon to provide a stronger voice in the dressing room, especially with the club also losing their captain of the last two seasons.

Thomas Frank backs Ben Davies for leadership role at Tottenham

Thomas Frank appears to have his eyes on Ben Davies to take up a bigger responsibility in the upcoming campaign, especially as Tottenham transitions into a new era without Heung-min Son.

Speaking to football.london, Frank praised the 32-year-old for his temperament, his presence around the squad and the way he carries himself as a senior player.

“I think his leadership qualities, his character and the way he understands the bigger picture. Everyone has got an ego, but his ego is not too big and that is good. So you understand how much you need to help the team and the younger players.

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“He understands when it is for the better for the club, you know, all the actions. So, as a player that can speak up and push a bit inside [the team] and they like him, he is a good guy. It makes sense what he says, and he does it in a good way. That is just respect, respect, respect for all players.

“Some win respect by being the top player and Ben is still, by the way, a very good player. So when you do the other things [as well], if you think you win more respect.”

Although Davies has never formally been part of Tottenham’s leadership group across his 11 years at the club, Frank admitted, “It is definitely something I am thinking about, yeah, I will say it that way.”

Rodrigo Bentancur to stay as Tottenham’s captain decision looms

Beyond Ben Davies’ evolving role, Thomas Frank also confirmed that Rodrigo Bentancur is expected to remain at the club this season, despite entering the final year of his current deal.

Tottenham have since been looking to extend Bentancur’s contract, with preliminary talks said to have begun, but reports on that front have since gone cold.

“I was pretty sure he would be a key player [before I started working with him], so that has not been a surprise. That is a player, of course I think is important for the future,” he said.

Joao Palhinha is a professional football player who plays as a holding midfielder for Tottenham Hotspur.

Joao Palhinha is a traditional number six who has earned a reputation as a midfielder with an eye for a tackle, often mopping up and shielding the back four.

Now 30 years old, the Portuguese joined Tottenham ahead of the 2025–26 season as Thomas Frank’s fourth signing of the summer window, coming right after deals for Mathys Tel, Mohammed Kudus and Kota Takai.

A player who has established himself in Europe, with stints in Portugal, Germany and England, here is a closer look into the life and career of Tottenham’s midfield loan signing – Joao Palhinha.

Who is Joao Palhinha? Tottenham’s new midfield anchor

Joao Maria Lobo Alves Palhares Costa Palhinha Goncalves was born on 9 July 1995 in Lisbon, Portugal. Now 30 years old, he stands at 1.90 metres (6 ft 3 in) tall – an imposing physical presence that fits the profile of a combative holding midfielder.

Palhinha came through the Sporting CP youth academy after joining in 2012 at the age of 17. He got his first taste of senior football with the club’s B team, eventually opening his account with a powerful header in a 3–1 win over Leixoes in April 2015. His rise through the ranks was steady, though not without obstacles.

Loan spells followed at Moreirense and Belenenses, where he scored his first Primeira Liga goal in a draw against Vitoria de Guimaraes. A return to Sporting in 2017 saw him debut competitively for the first team, later bagging a brace in the Portuguese Cup.

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His career then took a defining step when he joined Braga on loan, going on to feature 76 times and playing a crucial role in their 2019–20 Taca da Liga triumph, including a historic winner over Benfica.

Spurs midfielder Joao Palhinha – the journey to North London

He quickly nailed down a starting role, bossing the midfield with grit and precision. A controversial suspension ahead of the Lisbon derby sparked a legal saga, but he ended the season as the league’s top tackler with 185 tackles, played a key part in Sporting’s title win, and was named in the Primeira Liga Team of the Year alongside five of his teammates.

Fulham impact and Premier League dominance

Palhinha’s emergence as one of Europe’s finest ball-winners continued into 2021–22, although competition from Manuel Ugarte and repeated injury setbacks slowed him down. Still, he remained a core figure, leaving Sporting with a league title, two League Cups and a Super Cup to his name.

A £20 million switch to Fulham in 2022 saw him earn make his Premier League debut against Liverpool in a 2-2 draw. The Portuguese man later went on to score his first goal 14 days after joining the Cottagers in a clash against Brentford.

In his debut season, he led the league in tackles and was voted Player of the Season for Fulham. He was then linked with a late move to Bayern Munich, which fell through in 2023 because Fulham could not find a replacement for the holding midfielder.

Regardless, Palhinha remained professional, signed a new contract, and topped the tackling charts again in the Premier League.

Joao Palhinha joins Tottenham Hotspur

A year after the failed switch, Palhinha eventually made the move to Bayern Munich in 2024 for €56 million (£47.4 million).

He won the Bundesliga in his first season, although injuries and competition from Leon Goretzka, Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic limited his minutes, with the Portuguese managing just 667 minutes in the Bundesliga.

He arrived at Tottenham on loan with an option to buy for €30 million. He becomes the latest 30+-year-old to join the club, since Ivan Perisic joined on a free transfer in 2022.

Playing style and what Spurs fans can expect

With the 30-year-old now in north London, Tottenham Hotspur fans can expect a proper number six who has an eye for a tackle and is ready to do the dirty work.

Palhinha is known for his positioning, stamina and hard-hitting tackles. Standing tall and strong, he thrives in duels – both on the ground and in the air – and plays a key role in breaking up play before launching forward balls into space. His vocal leadership and physicality make him a commanding figure in the middle of the park.

During his spell at Fulham, he averaged 81.5% pass accuracy and regularly topped the charts for tackles and duels won. His aggressive tackling style earned him a reputation, but also saw him booked frequently – he was one of only three players to receive 13 or more yellow cards in two separate Premier League seasons.

Personal life – family, relationships and off-field profile

Off the pitch, Palhinha was previously married to singer Patricia Palhares, with whom he shares a son, Joao Maria. The pair separated in 2024, while expecting their second child.

Joao Palhinha’s international career

On the international stage, Palhinha has represented Portugal at the under-18, under-19 and under-20 levels, notably featuring in the 2014 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, where his side finished runners-up.

He earned his senior debut in March 2021 during the World Cup qualifiers, scoring his first goal shortly after. Palhinha has since played in major tournaments – including Euro 2020, the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024 – making multiple appearances in each.

In 2025, he was part of the Portugal squad that won the UEFA Nations League, playing in the semi-final win over hosts Germany.

Spurs new midfielder Joao Palhinha – stats, honours and role

Joao Palhinha has carved out an impressive CV. Across his career up to the end of the 2024/25 season, he has featured in:

Club appearances and goals:

Palhinha’s honours include:

Thomas Frank appears relaxed about Tottenham’s current full-back options despite visible pre-season gaps coming to the fray.

Pre-season often allows teams to assess their strengths and weaknesses well before the start of a new campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur under Thomas Frank have had such an opportunity, with pre-season preparations already outlining a few positions that need strengthening.

Injuries have already hit the attacking midfield position, while Destiny Udogie’s injury has also exposed a problem in the full-back position.

Thomas Frank insists Tottenham do not need full-back reinforcements

However, while fans of the Lilywhites have been quick to call on the club to strengthen their depth in the full-back position, naming their preferred signing, Frank seems to believe that Tottenham are very much covered in that area.

Thomas Frank, speaking to football.london, has now revealed that Tottenham are not looking to add any more full-backs to their ranks, suggesting that the club already have sufficient cover in those wide defensive areas.

“Yeah, I think so [we have enough full-backs] because right now we have Ben and Spence. I thought [Djed] was very good against Arsenal and did very well against Saka, and I think Ben is a very important player,” Frank told football.london.

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Davies and Spence remain unconvincing options for Spurs

While Ben Davies is capable of filling in at left-back, there is a question mark over whether he has the quality to be a back-up option for Tottenham at this level.

So far in pre-season, the veteran defender has looked off the pace, often struggling to keep up with the speed of the game, which does little to inspire confidence at the back.

Tottenham Hotspur return to Europe for their final pre-season clash before their official season gets underway, as they take on Bayern Munich in the 2025 Telekom Cup.

So, here we are again, another Bayern Munich vs Tottenham friendly. Not sure why Spurs signed up to face them again after losing twice last year, but these fixtures are always a treat for the fans. There’s something to be said about testing yourself against Europe’s elite, even if it is just pre-season.

Thomas Frank’s men remain unbeaten in their pre-season campaign so far, and they’ll be eager to keep that run going. But facing the Bavarian giants on their turf is no easy task, even when it’s a friendly.

Spurs’ Asian tour was a real rollercoaster: from beating Arsenal for the first time in three years, to drawing 1-1 against Newcastle in an emotional farewell to club legend Heung-Min Son and losing James Maddison to injury.

Bayern, meanwhile, began their pre-season campaign with a 2-1 win over Lyon after their exit to PSG in the Club World Cup quarter-finals.

What time does Bayern Munich vs Tottenham kick off?

Location: Munich, Germany

Stadium: Allianz Arena

Date: Thursday, 7th August 2025

Kick-off Time: 5 pm BST

Where to watch the friendly between Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur

Supporters can watch the match live on SPURSPLAY and FC Bayern TV PLUS, though availability may vary depending on your region.

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Bayern Munich vs Tottenham Hotspur: Head-to-head record

Tottenham faced Bayern twice just last year and lost both. The first came in Seoul, a 2-1 defeat, followed by a 3-2 loss in North London that saw Harry Kane return to N17 in red for the first time.

Beyond that, Spurs fans probably don’t need reminding of some brutal Champions League nights against the German side. Let’s just say ‘best not spoken about’.

Tottenham team news

Spurs will be without Heung-Min Son, who has reportedly completed a move to MLS side LAFC (still no official confirmation from the clubs) and did not travel with the squad from South Korea.

On the bright side, there’s a fresh face in midfield; Joao Palhinha, signed on loan from Bayern earlier this week, is set to debut against his former team.

Injuries remain a concern. James Maddison picked an off-the-ball injury immediately after being subbed on against Newcastle, and although the club haven’t confirmed a timeline, it doesn’t look good. Also ruled out are Bryan Gil, Dejan Kulusevski, Destiny Udogie, Manor Solomon, and Radu Dragusin.

Dominic Solanke hasn’t played since the win over Reading, but Thomas Frank said he was close before the Newcastle match. There’s a chance he gets a few minutes here.

Bayern Munich team news

New signing Luis Diaz is already off the mark in red, having featured in the win over Lyon. Expect him to start alongside Kane and Olise up front.

Out injured for Bayern are Alphonso Davies, Jamal Musiala, Hiroki Ito and Aleksandar Pavlovic.

Predicted Tottenham line-up

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Danso, Davies; Bentancur, Bergvall, Sarr; Kudus, Richarlison, Odobert

For the second half, we expect Van de Ven, Djed Spence, new signing Palhinha, Mathys Tel and Brennan Johnson to come on.

Our prediction

It’s hard to see Tottenham winning this, considering the ridiculous amount of quality FC Bayern have across the pitch. However, that win over Arsenal flipped the narrative that Spurs can’t go toe-to-toe with top clubs.

Keep an eye on Joao Palhinha, the number 6 Spurs have been crying out for. It’s his debut, and fittingly, it comes against the club that let him go.

Speaking of former clubs, watch out for the man who knows Spurs too well, Harry Kane. Hurts to say this, but in red. Both the clubs’ fans will hope he plays more than the 15 minutes he managed last time.

Thomas Frank will want his side to push hard and get a look at the full strength of this Tottenham team before the UEFA Super Cup clash scheduled exactly a week after this fixture, whereas Vincent Kompany’s side will likely be a bit more relaxed. So, we expect Spurs to see out this game with a win.

Predicted score: Tottenham 3-2 Bayern Munich

COYS!