Bundesliga

Turkish midfielder Cenk Sahin has been released by Bundesliga 2 side St. Pauli after showing his support for Turkey's military actions in Syria:

The 25-year-old posted a photograph on Instagram of the Turkish flag with a caption expressing support for Turkey's invasion of Kurdish-held regions in Syria, according to the Daily Sabah. 

Turkey's Operation Peace Spring was launched Wednesday and is aimed at eliminating Kurdish forces along the border and resettling Syrian refugees.

The German side explained their decision to release the 25-year-old in a statement posted on their official club website:

"The internal review of Cenk Sahin's Instagram post on the deployment of the Turkish army in Syria has been completed. After further talks between club officials and the player, Cenk Sahin has been released from his training and playing duties with immediate effect. The prime factors in reaching the decisions were his repeated disregard for the club’s values and the need to protect the player."

"After numerous discussions with fans, members and friends whose roots lie in Turkey, it has become clear to us that we cannot and should not attempt to gauge nuances in perceptions and attitudes from other cultural backgrounds in detail. That we reject acts of war is not open to doubt or discussion, however. These acts, and the expression of solidarity with them, run counter to the values of the club."

The club also added that Sahin's contract with St. Pauli remains "valid" but he has been given permission to train and play for other teams.

Sahin's Instagram post drew criticism from supporters, who accused the midfielder of being a "war-supporter," per the Daily Sabah.

ESPN's Eren Sarigul offered his thoughts on St. Pauli's decision to release Sahin:

Sahin joined St. Pauli from Istanbul Basaksehir in 2017 after a loan spell with the club. Although he has been granted permission to play for another club he will be unable to secure a move until the winter transfer window reopens.

Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has refused to rule out signing loanee Ivan Perisic on a permanent transfer from Inter Milan following his fast start at the Allianz Arena.

Rummenigge recently spoke at the Festival of Sport in Trento, Italy, and appeared open to the notion of purchasing Perisic's contract outright following his strong form in his return to the Bundesliga:

"We brought him in to play, and when he has played he has done well.

"He has scored a few goals. [Kingsley] Coman and [Serge] Gnabry are exploding, but Ivan is always good.

"I won't rule (signing Perisic permanently) out, he has had a good start to the season. We have an agreement with Inter to talk about it later, and we will also evaluate it with the player."

The Croatia international previously impressed during spells with Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg, joining Inter from the latter in August 2015.

It took Perisic just two appearances to re-open his account in the Bundesliga following his loan move to Bayern, recording a goal and an assist in their 6-1 win over Mainz, via Goal:

The veteran has impressed with two goals and two assists in six appearances for Die Roten this season, but Bayern may be slightly put off by the fact that Perisic turns 31 in February. Bild (h/t DW Sports) reported Bayern would have to pay around €20 million (£17.7 million) to make the move permanent.

Any positive feelings early on in the season-long agreement appear to be mutual after Perisic intimated a desire to sign a longer-term deal in Bavaria, per journalist Raphael Honigstein:

Bayern are sure to take stock of their wing options closer to the end of the season, however, before they make a final decision on the future of Perisic.

Veterans Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery left the Allianz Arena this past summer, while SportBild (h/t Metro) reported the German giants are prepared to make a renewed move for Manchester City star Leroy Sane.

Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry look established as starting options out wide for the defending Bundesliga champions, but Perisic could yet make for a capable option in a rotation. Alphonso Davies and Philippe Coutinho are also capable alternatives on the flanks.

Bayern are again reaping the benefits of their astute summer business, with Perisic combining with fellow loanee Coutinho in a 4-0 win against Koln, via Fox Sports (U.S. only):

Rummenigge seems content with the product he's seen from Perisic, though it's a standard he'll have to maintain if he'd prefer not return to the San Siro next summer.     

Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller has said he will have to consider his future at the Bundesliga side if he continues to struggle for game time at the Allianz Arena.

Muller told Kicker (h/t Goal's Robin Bairner) that he is not happy with life on the bench and may consider leaving if the club are unable to guarantee him regular playing time:

"Of course the new signings increased the competition in my best position but that's not the problem. That's not what it's all about. A manager has to make difficult decisions ahead of every game. But in the recent five games there has been a trend that doesn't make me happy. If the coaching staff see me as a sub in the future, I will have to think about my situation. I'm too ambitious to not do that."

Muller has appeared in seven Bundesliga outings for Bayern this season, contributing four assists. However, only three of those appearances have been as a starter.

Manager Niko Kovac has preferred an attack consisting of striker Robert Lewandowski with Philippe Coutinho as the No. 10 and Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry on the flanks.

According to Sport Bild (h/t Joe Strange for MailOnline), Muller is frustrated with life as a substitute and wants to leave the club in the January transfer window.

The 30-year-old has spent his entire career at Bayern and enjoyed great success with the German giants, clinching a host of titles that include eight Bundesliga crowns, the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup:

He has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past. Manchester United were keen in 2014 and 2015 and saw an £80 million bid rejected, while Arsenal and Liverpool wanted him in 2017, per Metro.

However, Bayern Munich consider Muller to be "irreplaceable" and will not allow him to depart in the winter. Indeed the club are keen to extend his contract next summer, according to Sky Sports.

Yet Muller's disillusionment at the club will only grow if he remains on the fringes, and a player of his quality and experience would attract plenty of interest from around Europe if he were to become available in January.

Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has said he's "irritated by the behaviour" of the French Football Federation (FFF) after they called up injured defender Lucas Hernandez.

Hernandez, 23, has missed Bayern's last two matches due to a knee injury, but Goal's James Westwood explained France demanded the defender appear for national team duty despite Bayern's protests.

Rummenigge, 63, released a statement via Bayern's official website (h/t Westwood) and aired his frustrations with France for selecting a player who hasn't been recently active for his club:

"I am irritated by the behaviour of the French federation. I would like to point out that Lucas Hernandez was not able to play in the Champions League match against Tottenham Hotspur last Tuesday in London, nor in our Bundesliga match against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on Saturday. 

"The statement quoted by France coach Didier Deschamps was for Lucas Hernandez to be ready to 'play with one leg,' which was very surprising to us.

"Of the four requested French national players, of course, we will send the three healthy players—Kingsley Coman, Corentin Tolisso and Benjamin Pavard."

France face Iceland and Group H leaders Turkey in a pair of upcoming UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers, the latter of which will be considered a must-win for second-place France.

Quotes from Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt, Bayern's club doctor, were also included, which read: "I am responsible for the health of Lucas Hernandez, and I say he cannot play in the upcoming matches of the French national team, so a call-up makes no sense."

German football writer Manuel Veth expanded upon the statement from Rummenigge, who added the German Football Federation had refrained from summoning its own unfit players:

Hernandez came off at half-time during the 3-2 win over Paderborn on September 28. Alphonso Davies and David Alaba provide alternative options at left-back, while Niklas Sule, Jerome Boateng and Javi Martinez have coped in central defence.

It's hardly surprising Die Roten are somewhat precious over a player who joined their ranks this summer in an €80 million deal from Atletico Madrid and has looked highly impressive early in his tenure.

Get German Football News provided comment from Rummenigge in April prior to Hernandez's arrival, whereby he gave a glowing review of the Frenchman:

Les Bleus have the authority to pull rank in the matter considering FIFA rules prohibit clubs from withholding players who have received international call-ups.

France manager Didier Deschamps appears intent on at least having Hernandez as an option for the meetings with Iceland and Turkey; Bayern return to Bundesliga action away to Augsburg on Oct. 19.  

Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has attempted to play down rumours linking the German champions with Manchester City's Leroy Sane, saying the club have "no eye on him at all."

Sane was strongly linked with a move to the Allianz Arena in the summer after being underused by Pep Guardiola in City's biggest matches last term. 

It was even reported he had agreed a deal to move to Bayern:

The 23-year-old forward then suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the Community Shield in August, which ended any prospect of him departing the Etihad Stadium.

Bayern president Uli Hoeness recently hinted the club could revive their interest in Sane in January, per the Planet Futbol podcast (h/t Sky Sports News).

But Rummenigge has now denied Bayern are still keeping tabs on him, per Sean Wilson of Goal: "To be honest I have no eye on him at all because I don't speak about players of other clubs in public. The FIFA rules don't allow that anyway. And I will always stick to that."

Sane has posted superb numbers for City ever since joining them from Schalke in 2016.

After netting five Premier League goals and providing three assists in his debut campaign at the club, he scored 10 and assisted 15 in City's record-breaking 2017-18 title-winning campaign.

As a result of his efforts, he was named PFA Young Player of the Year:

While his 2018-19 was less spectacular, he still netted 10 and provided 10 assists as City won another title.

Notably, though, he was benched by Guardiola for key late-season matches, including the Carabao Cup final, FA Cup semi-final and final, and both UEFA Champions League quarter-final legs against Tottenham Hotspur.

It is understandable Sane could have taken issue with such regular snubs from his manager, especially as he is talented enough to command a guaranteed starting place at a number of top clubs in Europe.

The Germany international's long-term injury has put any prospect of a move on hold for now.

As soon as Sane is back fit again, though, rumours are likely to re-emerge, and Bayern will surely be heavily linked again despite Rummenigge's latest comments.   

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has said "no decision has been made" regarding the future of Jadon Sancho. 

The England international has emerged as one of the best prospects in world football during his time at Dortmund. Unsurprisingly, the winger has been linked with some of the biggest names in the game.

Speaking to Kicker (h/t Sacha Pisani of Goal), Zorc was quizzed on whether the club knew if Sancho would be staying at Dortmund or leaving next summer:

"No decision has been made. But you don't have to be a prophet to know he won't play here for another five years.

"He has taken this positive development [at Dortmund]. I doubt that would have been possible with top English clubs.

"... He's an instinctive footballer, a street footballer, he's always a footballer, but he's always setting new limits. He does not sit back satisfied. He wants to play football successfully and beautifully. That alone is his motivation."

Per Pisani, Manchester United have been strongly linked with a move. According to James Ducker of the Daily Telegraph, the Red Devils are still keeping an eye on Sancho's development.

Sancho's numbers this season have done little to quell the hype building around him. While Dortmund are down in a disappointing eighth position in the Bundesliga after six games, the 19-year-old has been productive throughout the season.

The UEFA Champions League Twitter account relayed the impressive figures the youngster has posted:

Sancho's most recent goal came in the 2-2 draw at Frankfurt:

With that goal, the Three Lions star made some Bundesliga history:

While that finish was a predatory one, often Sancho's goals are at the end of flowing Dortmund attacks.

The winger has become adept at finding space in the penalty area, with the timing of his runs and searing speed allowing him to get into some prosperous positions. In addition, Sancho is adept at being a creator and shows excellent composure when he bursts infield from wide areas.

There are still parts of his game that require refinement, which is to be expected given his age. Football writer Lars Pollmann commented on a poor display from Sancho in BVB's 2-2 home draw with Werder Bremen on Sunday:

Zorc appears aware that serious interest in their star man is inevitable, and it will be fascinating to see how long Dortmund can keep hold of Sancho for.

Given his age and talent, the German giants would be looking for an astronomical offer to be lodged before they agree to any sale. Those who frequent the Westfalenstadion will hope that valuation will deter any potential suitors and Sancho will be at Dortmund for a while yet.

Bayern Munich haven't given up on signing Manchester City star Leroy Sane, and club president Uli Hoeness has said the Bavarians will consider a transfer early in 2020. 

Goal's Ronan Murphy shared the 67-year-old's comments:

Sane is recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury that is expected to keep him out until February or March.

He suffered the injury in August, at a time when he was heavily linked with a switch to Bayern. The German champions went out of their way to deny reports a deal had already been struck:

Once the 23-year-old suffered the injury, the rumours went mostly quiet. Bayern added to their wing options by signing Ivan Perisic on loan from Inter Milan.

Sane started 21 Premier League contests for City last season and was a big part of their success, scoring 10 goals and adding 10 assists during their title run. The 21 starts presented a regression compared to the previous campaign, however, when he started 27 matches.

The Sky Blues have a ton of options out wide, including Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva, arguably their breakout performer last season.

Bayern's options are comparatively limited. The Bundesliga giants said goodbye to longtime stars Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery during the summer, and their replacements aren't of the same level. Perisic, Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman are fine players but perhaps not world-class options like Sane.

The former Schalke man has already proved himself in Germany's top division:

As a German star at a position of need, he presents a perfect transfer target for Bayern. While he will undoubtedly be expensive, the fact that City have plenty of alternative options means they will likely be open to a deal.

Per MailOnline's Jack Gaughan, manager Pep Guardiola said he would be free to join Bayern if he wanted to back in July, further opening the door for a switch.

Guardiola will find out exactly how his team copes without Sane during the coming months, and if things go to plan for the Citizens, they may well decide to cash in on a player who seemingly wants to leave.

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has threatened to stop making the club's players available for the Germany national team if Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen supersedes Manuel Neuer as the No. 1 goalkeeper.

Neuer has 90 caps compared to Ter Stegen's 22 and has started each of Germany's last 10 fixtures.

However, the Barcelona stopper continues to make a fine case to be given more chances by Joachim Low as he is consistently impressive for his club:

Hoeness, though, has threatened to not make Bayern players available for Germany if Ter Stegen takes Neuer's place, per Sport Bild (h/t Rune Gjerulff of BuLiNews.com):

"We would never accept that. Before that happens, we will no longer provide players for the national team."

Germany general manager Oliver Bierhoff brushed off the threat, saying: "No [I'm not worried], because a club is obligated to release its players for international duty as per FIFA regulations."

If recent performances are anything to go by, Hoeness may yet have his bluff called.

Low has been loyal to Neuer for a long time, and when Germany won the 2014 FIFA World Cup, he was the best goalkeeper in the world.

That is no longer the case, and at Monday's The Best FIFA Football Awards 2019, it was Ter Stegen who came second to Liverpool's Alisson for The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper, with Neuer nowhere to be seen.

The truth is, at 33, Neuer is not the reliable presence he once was between the posts and has become increasingly prone to costly errors for Bayern:

Ter Stegen, meanwhile, is phenomenally consistent, and at 27, he has youth on his side.

As such, it is all but inevitable there will eventually come a time when the Barcelona man usurps Neuer for Germany, and it will be interesting to see if Hoeness tries to make good on his threat. 

Germany are back in action in October, when they face Argentina in a friendly and Estonia in a UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier.  

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels has praised team-mate Jadon Sancho, saying he has the talent to play for the biggest clubs in the world. 

Speaking to Sport Bild (h/t Mirror's Gareth Bicknell), the 30-year-old also talked about Sancho's sky-high potential: "I could imagine him in just about any team in the world. Although he's not mature yet, Jadon is already an outstanding footballer. His one-on-one, the pace. He loves to prepare goals. He is an absolute weapon that even has potential for improvement."

Hummels became a team-mate of Sancho after re-joining Dortmund from Bayern Munich in the summer. He has since watched the 19-year-old score twice and add four assists in four Bundesliga matches already.

The youngster has been a sensational weapon for BVB:

Here are some of his top Bundesliga highlights:

According to Bicknell, his strong play has attracted the attention of Manchester United, who were linked with the talent throughout summer.

The Red Devils parted with Romelu Lukaku in the summer, selling him to Inter Milan, and that has left them short on star talent in attack. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are the main weapons under manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, and neither is a natural fit on the right wing, where Sancho thrives.

Despite all of the speculation, Sancho recently told Viasport (h/t Sacha Pisani of Goal) he's only focused on his current club right now:

"I can't tell the future. I just take it game by game. I just wanna give 100 per cent for Borussia Dortmund. I really want to do well with Dortmund. Obviously, I want to win titles and give everything. It's crazy. Everything has come so fast. But I have a great team. They keep me humbled. I just take it game by game and give 100 per cent."

Dortmund have started the season with three wins from four Bundesliga matches and trail leaders RB Leipzig by a single point. They have been drawn in the difficult UEFA Champions League Group F, where they'll battle it out with Barcelona, Inter Milan and Slavia Prague.

Their next outing will be on Sunday, away to Eintracht Frankfurt.

Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus has said he hopes Barcelona's Lionel Messi is fit for the UEFA Champions League clash between the two sides on Tuesday.

Messi has yet to feature in a competitive game for the Blaugrana this season due to a calf problem, but has been included in the team's travelling party for the European showdown at the Westfalenstadion.

Speaking ahead of the game, Reus said his team want to test themselves against the best version of Barcelona, including Messi, per AS:

"We want Messi to play, but we cannot influence what tomorrow will look like. We do not want to talk that much about the opponent. Everyone knows that he is the best, but we play at home and want to win.

"A difficult game awaits us. We have to be careful and will we have to suffer a lot in the game. We have to be brave and play our game, put ourselves forward and then hope to score goals."

The match is set to be a crucial one, with Group F poised to be one of the most fiercely contested in the competition. Serie A giants Inter Milan will face Slavia Prague in the other fixture in the pool.

Per the Borussia Twitter account, Messi has previously spoken about how he would like to play in front of the Dortmund crowd:

While Barcelona will still be the favourites to progress from the group and are among the top contenders to win the Champions League, in Dortmund they will be up against a serious side.

Under manager Lucien Favre, BVB have made major strides and are now among the most exciting attacking sides in European football. On Saturday, they were exceptional in a 4-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.

Reus was Dortmund's star man in the win, netting two goals and putting in a lot of effort out of possession for the team:

Jadon Sancho also continued his electric start to the campaign, setting up a couple of Dortmund goals, including one for Reus:

After a fantastic win, Dortmund will be confident going into the game with Barcelona and it'll be intriguing to see how the La Liga side cope with what promises to be a hostile atmosphere.

Their previous outing in the Champions League was one to forget, as they were beaten 4-0 by Liverpool in the semi-finals having won the first leg of the tie 3-0. It was the second time in two seasons the Blaugrana collapsed away from home in the second leg of a knockout clash, with Roma mounting a shock comeback in 2018.

With that in mind, the Catalan giants will be desperate to get a win on the board in the Champions League early on away from home, especially at a challenging venue like Dortmund. Fitness permitting, their chances will be enhanced if Messi features.