Bundesliga

Bayern Munich completed the loan signing of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona on Monday. 

The Barcelona Twitter account confirmed the move:

In an accompanying statement, Barcelona said Bayern will pay €8.5 million to loan Coutinho for the season and have the option of making the transfer permanent for €120 million.

Bayern posted the following video welcoming their new signing:

He departs Barca after fewer than two years, having moved to the Camp Nou from Liverpool in January 2018 for a club-record fee of £142 million.

Despite his price tag, the 27-year-old failed to earn a guaranteed first-team spot under Blaugrana manager Ernesto Valverde; 12 of his 34 La Liga appearances in 2018-19 came from the bench.

He was largely underwhelming when he did get a run in the side.

Coutinho was an integral part of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool team and a huge fan favourite at Anfield.

But he never really settled at the Camp Nou, and his performances against his former side in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals last season were indicative of his declining reputation at Barcelona:

That does not mean he is a spent force, though. At 27, he is in the peak years of his career, and he will be a fine signing for Bayern if he can rediscover the form he had at Liverpool.

After opting against signing James Rodriguez on a permanent deal from Real Madrid this summer after a two-year loan, Bayern have a dearth of natural creativity in their midfield. Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben also left the club at the end of last season, meaning Munich have lost two consistently productive players in wide areas.

Coutinho has been at his best when playing as a No. 10 or on the left flank, where he can cut inside and make contributions in the final third. His vision, dribbling skill and ability to hit the target from distance made him a huge success when on Merseyside.

The Brazilian will be disappointed at the manner in which his Barcelona career has panned out. However, Bayern's interest in him after a tough spell is indicative of the quality Coutinho possesses, and he'll be hopeful a new set of challenges can be a catalyst for a return to form.

Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has told Renato Sanches to "calm down" after the midfielder reiterated his bit-part role in Bavaria is "not enough."

Sanches, 22, made 24 appearances for Bayern across all competitions last season, having been sidelined with injury for much of his loan at Swansea City during the 2017-18 campaign.

Bayern began the Bundesliga season with a 2-2 draw at home to Hertha Berlin on Friday. After coming on for the last few phases, Sanches told Sport1 (h/t MailOnline's Adam Shergold): "Five minutes is not enough. The situation is not good for me, this is the second time I have wanted to leave the club and they have not let me go."

Rummenigge was decisive in his response, however, and said: "It is not appropriate that you run away so angry here after the first or second game. We will not sell him, that will not work, he would do well to calm down."

Sanches' career has been on a gradual decline since he joined Bayern from Benfica following his involvement in Portugal's 2016 European Championship triumph.

The box-to-box star received the prestigious Golden Boy Award that year in what remains the high point of his career to date, per Goal:

Given his age, there's no reason to think Sanches—who has a contract until 2021—can't eventually regain his place as one of Europe's top prospects.

While the player appears intent on leaving the Allianz Arena, Rummenigge (and perhaps others in power at Bayern) envision a future for him at the club.

Goal's Ronan Murphy noted the recent signing of French youngster Mickael Cuisance from Borussia Monchengladbach doesn't help Sanches' first-team chances:

The Portuguese made just four league starts under manager Niko Kovac last season, but one can see why the club are intent to keep hold of their asset.

Sanches is young and displayed tremendous promise at Benfica. He's a physical presence in central midfield who can player a number of positions and still boasts potential upside despite his recent struggles.

He scored against Fenerbahce during the Audi Cup in pre-season to demonstrate fine positional awareness, via ITV Football (UK only):

The Bundesliga transfer window doesn't close until September 2, although Sanches' hopes of a departure from Bayern may already be over. 

Marko Grujic has hailed former Liverpool team-mate Philippe Coutinho's pending transfer from Barcelona to Bayern Munich, saying the Brazilian will be the best footballer in the Bundesliga.

Speaking to Bild (h/t Goal's Michael Plant), Grujic was full of praise for Coutinho's skill:

"It's a big thing for the whole Bundesliga to have the possibility to see Coutinho play now.

"He is a special and exciting player, he does crazy things. He got incredible tricks and skills in his locker. I enjoyed every training session with him in Liverpool. He will be by far the best footballer in Germany."

Grujic is still on the books at Liverpool and will spend the 2018-19 campaign on loan at Hertha BSC. He arrived at Anfield in 2016, and he trained with Coutinho until the midfielder departed for Barcelona in 2018.

The 27-year-old has been a disappointment in Catalonia. Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge on Friday confirmed he will be moving to Bavaria on loan this summer, per ESPN.

He arrived in Germany for his medical on Sunday:

Bayern have shown they are not afraid to take a chance on top talents who have fallen on hard times in Spain. James Rodriguez spent the past two seasons on loan at the Allianz Arena before returning to Real Madrid this summer.

The Bundesliga champions got off to a poor start on Friday, playing out a 2-2 draw with Hertha at home:

The German giants are still finalising their squad for this season, recently signing Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic on a loan deal. The Croat was on the bench for Friday's Bundesliga curtain-raiser.

Coutinho should help fill the creative void that was left by Rodriguez's departure. He was one of the world's most wanted footballers just 18 months ago, and while things didn't work out at the Camp Nou, there's reason to believe he will rediscover his form at the Allianz Arena.

His performances for the national team have remained consistent, and Goal wondered which version of the player will arrive in Munich:

In his last full Premier League season with Liverpool, Coutinho bagged 13 goals and added seven assists in 31 appearances.

Bayern Munich have completed a deal to bring Philippe Coutinho to the Allianz Arena on loan from Barcelona, Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said Friday, according to ESPN. 

"I can confirm [Bayern sporting director] Hasan Salihamidzic and I were in Barcelona last Wednesday. And we reached an agreement with both the club and the player over a transfer," Rummenigge said. 

"The player is expected here in Munich in the next days, Sunday or Monday at the latest. He'll do his medical and then sign his contract."

Earlier, ESPN's Samuel Marsden reported talks were at an "advanced" stage between the Bundesliga giants and Coutinho's parent club:

Coutinho has struggled to establish himself at the Camp Nou, while Bayern are still busy rebuilding after losing the influence of wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, as well as the flair of No. 10 James Rodriguez, earlier this summer.

Coutinho's standing at Barca is summed up by his omission from the match squad for Friday's La Liga opener away to Athletic Bilbao.

It's important there are places in the starting XI for big-money summer imports Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong. Both play in positions where Coutinho has found it difficult to exert his influence, with Griezmann a prolific source of goals from out wide, while De Jong is a progressive midfielder who bosses central areas.

Coutinho's ability to play in the middle or on the flanks would be a major asset for Bayern. Die Roten said goodbye to Robben and Ribery but have already taken steps to fill the void by adding Ivan Perisic on loan.

The arrival of the Croatia international is yet another example of Bayern's terrific use of the loan market in recent years.

Rodriguez spent the last two seasons in Germany while still on the books at Real Madrid. Replacing the Colombian's vision and technique may prove more difficult than offsetting the departures of Robben and Ribery.

Coutinho could fill the void, provided he can get back to his pre-Barcelona best. He was exceptional for Liverpool before joining Barca in 2018, combining skill with pace, ingenuity and shooting power.

Even in a down season, Coutinho helped himself to 11 goals and five assists in all competitions for the Blaugrana during the 2018/19 campaign. Yet despite the solid numbers, the 27-year-old has rarely seemed like a natural fit as a No. 10 in a Barca team geared around the creative instincts of roaming forward Lionel Messi.

Being in Messi's shadow doesn't mean Coutinho isn't ready for a top European club, though. He repaired his reputation with some quality displays to help Brazil win the 2019 Copa America this summer:

Snapping up a schemer this gifted and versatile on favourable loan terms would be a coup for a Bayern team needing more magic from the heart of midfield.

Ivan Perisic wasted no time in deciding to join Bayern Munich from Inter Milan after the Bundesliga giants offered him an opportunity. 

Per Goal's Patric Ridge, Bayern turned their attention to the Croatian after their primary target, Manchester City's Leroy Sane, suffered a long-term knee ligament injury.

Having joined on a season-long loan on Tuesday, Perisic said in his first press conference on Wednesday:

"It happened really quickly. Everybody knows what happened [with Sane], and I hope he recovers well and quickly.

"But when they called me, I took only a few hours to take my decision with my family. When a club like Bayern call, you cannot say no.

"That's the reason I'm here. I want to do the best here every day, each game, and I hope it's going to be a successful year."

The Bavarian club have the option to make the 30-year-old's stay at the Allianz Arena permanent, so an impressive season from Perisic could keep him at the club.

The winger took part in training shortly after Bayern announced his arrival on Tuesday:

Following the departures of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery at the end of last season, there was a need for the German club to add to their wide options this summer.

Although Perisic perhaps isn't quite the same calibre they were in their prime, he's a fine player in his own right, and he contributed 40 goals and 37 assists in 163 appearances for Inter.

Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe is an admirer:

He's used to playing in the Bundesliga, too, having played for Wolfsburg and Borussia Dortmund before making the move to Italy:

Although some Bayern supporters might be disappointed that Sane won't be arriving at the club this summer, Perisic is a strong addition to the squad.

He'll not only be able to supply Robert Lewandowski with ammunition, he'll also be able to chip in with strikes of his own to share the goalscoring burden with the striker.

As Bayern look to compete on multiple fronts over the course of the season, Perisic will be a useful option to call upon alongside Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman.

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has said he is aware Jadon Sancho will not stay at the Bundesliga club forever amid rumours linking the Englishman with Manchester United.

Sancho, 19, moved to Dortmund from Manchester City in 2017 after being denied first-team opportunities by manager Pep Guardiola.

In 2018-19, he enjoyed a breakout season, scoring 12 goals and providing 14 assists as BVB finished second in the Bundesliga:

He also earned a first call-up to the senior England side and now has six international caps.

Unsurprisingly, Sancho has been linked with some of the world's top clubs, including Manchester United by ESPN's Mark Ogden and Real Madrid by Bild (h/t AS). 

Dortmund look to have kept hold of him at least for one more season, but Watzke is under no illusions that Sancho will stay at the Westfalenstadion forever, per Ruhr Nachrichten (h/t Stephan Uersfeld of ESPN FC):

"There aren't many 19-year-olds with such a potential. He is also not a player from the region or one who would have any connection to it. When you have a player like Jadon Sancho, you must reassess the situation every single year. Everything else would not be honest. If a foreign player is not convinced that the club is right for him at the exact time, it just does not make any sense."

Watzke further explained how he has warded off interest in Sancho: "A chief of one of the super clubs asked me back in spring if there was a chance [to sign Sancho], but I told him straight away he should forget about it, and he never contacted me again. He knew I meant what I said."

Sancho has a contract with Dortmund that runs to 2022, so the club are under no pressure to sell him.

He picked up where he left off in the season-opening German Super Cup earlier this month, scoring once and providing an assist as BVB beat Bayern Munich 2-0:

Dortmund kick off their new Bundesliga season on Saturday when they meet Augsburg.

After finishing two points behind champions Bayern last term, winning the Bundesliga title will surely be the No. 1 aim for Lucien Favre's side in the new campaign.

Sancho will have a big part to play for Dortmund in achieving that target, and if he enjoys another stellar season, there will likely be even more suitors for him next summer.   

Bayern Munich have completed the signing of Ivan Perisic from Inter Milan on a season-long loan.

Die Roten confirmed the former Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg star's arrival on Tuesday via their official website and Twitter account:

A statement included quotes from the winger, who said: "I'm very glad to be back in Germany. FC Bayern are one of the biggest clubs in Europe. We want to go on the attack, not only in the Bundesliga and the DFB Cup, but also in the Champions League."

Sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic added: "Ivan will help us from the start with his extensive experience at a top international level. He has good technique and he's flexible in attack. I'm sure Ivan will settle in quickly as he knows both the Bundesliga and our coach Niko Kovac well."

Bayern shared some of Perisic's career numbers:

Perisic arrives at the Allianz Arena having built a reputation as one of the most exciting wide players in European football. 

The veteran winger has moved to Bavaria following the departures of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben at the end of last season.

Bild (h/t Football Italia) reported Perisic completed his Bayern medical on Monday. He's joined on an initial season-long loan costing €5 million (£4.6 million), and Bayern have the option to make the move permanent for €20 million (£18.6 million).

Throughout his career it's been clear the 30-year-old has excellent natural talent, although harnessing that ability on a consistent basis has proved to be tough at times.

After joining Borussia Dortmund from Club Brugge in 2011, he struggled to cement his place in the first team under Jurgen Klopp before being moved on to Wolfsburg a couple of years later.

At the Volkswagen Arena the winger set higher standards and was impressive for his national team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He earned a move to Inter and in four years with the Milan club has played the best football of his career.

Per Squawka Football, in the season just gone he was potent in the final third:

Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe is an admirer of the player:

Perisic is typically at his best off the left side and is adept in many aspects of his game; he's a strong runner, skilful and willing to take on his marker on the inside or the outside.

Coach Niko Kovac will have been struck by the work the Croatian can do out of possession, making him a player who can influence a game in so many different ways.

As has been the case throughout his career, there have been times at Inter when Perisic has struggled to consistently produce in the final third. Typically, his goals come in bunches, and while he's always ready to put a shift in, Bayern supporters may demand a little more.

Still, he's a dynamic and versatile option for Kovac in the final third and someone who will be useful throughout the course of a long campaign.

Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac has confirmed Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic is on the verge of moving to the Allianz Arena following the completion of his medical. 

Die Roten have been on the lookout for wing reinforcements this summer, and Kovac told reporters a deal for Perisic was close after watching his side beat Energie Cottbus 3-1 in the DFB-Pokal first round.

Kovac said: "He [Ivan Perisic] was at the medical check today. And if all this goes well and the last papers are sent back and forth [with Inter], then he will become one of our players."

Robert Lewandowski, Kingsley Coman and Leon Goretzka scored to give Bayern a comfortable win in the cup competition's opening round; Energie's Berkan Taz scored a consolatory goal from the penalty spot late on.

Die Roten were interested in signing Manchester City winger Leroy Sane this summer. However, that was halted after the Germany star suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury that ruled him out for the remainder of 2019, per Goal's Sacha Pisani.

Kovac continued and touched on the transfer practices of other clubs: 

"Regardless of our transfers, there are other clubs that buy players. And I don't like the way these [players] are handled to some extent when you put them in the second or third category.

"We should respect each of them. That's what we stand for and that's what I stand for. And that's what I expect from everyone else. Because it's always easy to criticise someone.

"First you don't get this player, then you don't get the other, and then you have an X, Y or Z solution. I don't think that's nice. That's my personal opinion. Maybe some people share this opinion with me."

The signing of former Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg winger Perisic, 30, has received criticism from some sections of the Bayern support who feel the player is too old.

Kovac responded to that criticism and suggested a player's merits and potential impact at the club should be all they're judged upon, per Goal's Ronan Murphy:

Veterans Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben each left vacancies on the wing after they departed the Allianz Arena this summer. James Rodriguez also returned to Real Madrid following his loan in Germany, relieving Kovac of another attacking option compared to last season.

Perisic scored nine goals and recorded eight assists in 45 appearances for Inter last season. Per Squawka, he can score a variety of goals:

Ajax midfielder Hakim Ziyech told AD (h/t Goal's James Westwood) he turned Bayern down after they moved too late in the window to sign him.

Bayern get their Bundesliga title defence under way at home to Hertha Berlin on Friday, meaning Perisic faces a quick turnaround before making his debut for Die Roten at the Allianz.

Bayern Munich and Inter Milan have reportedly agreed terms on a loan deal that will send Ivan Perisic to the German club.

Football journalist Fabrizio Romano relayed the news:

Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia) said Perisic has agreed to the loan switch and that the Croatia international did not travel to Spain for Inter's friendly with Valencia on Saturday. 

Football Italia noted the Bundesliga side will pay the player's wages.

Bayern are in the market for a new winger after Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery left the club at the end of last season.

The Bavarian outfit have been linked with Manchester City's Leroy Sane throughout the summer. However, Sky Blues boss Pep Guardiola said the German will be out for "six or seven months" after tearing his cruciate ligament in the Community Shield, per BBC Sport.

Eurosport's Siavoush Fallahi can see why Perisic became a target in light of Sane's injury:

The 30-year-old has contributed 40 goals and 37 assists in 163 appearances for Inter, but he did not appear to fit into manager Antonio Conte's plans.

He will be a useful option for Bayern out wide, though, and he should help to make up for the losses of Robben and Ribery and their incisive contributions in the final third.

What's more, having turned out for Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg prior to his move to Italy, he has plenty of experience of playing in the Bundesliga, so he shouldn't need too long to adapt to his new surroundings.

Hakim Ziyech has agreed a new contract with Ajax, with the Moroccan midfielder set to stay at the club until 2022.

The Dutch champions confirmed the new deal on Twitter:

Ziyech's previous contract was due to expire at the end of the 2020-21 season, and it will be a relief to Ajax supporters that he has committed his future to the club.

The news should also put a short-term dampener on rumours regarding a possible departure for Ziyech. Per Goal, Bayern Munich have been linked with the 26-year-old recently, with their other summer target Leroy Sane suffering a knee injury in Manchester City's Community Shield showdown with Liverpool.

It's a shock there hasn't been more speculation regarding Ziyech throughout the summer, as last season he was one of the standout attacking players in European football.

Ziyech was a crucial part of Ajax's memorable 2018-19 season, netting 16 goals and 13 assists as the team romped to the Eredivisie title. Ajax also won the KNVB Cup and made a surprise run to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, where they were eventually beaten by Tottenham Hotspur.

Ziyech showed he was capable of mixing it on the highest stage in European football. He scored three goals and grabbed three assists in the Champions League, including this one against Spurs in the semis:

Per OptaJohan, Ziyech has been a key creator for the team since his arrival in Amsterdam:

The Morocco star typically played in the wide positions last season, where he was able to cut infield and wreak havoc.

Ziyech's left foot is a hammer, making him a major threat from distance. He can also glide past players and is inventive with his passing around the penalty area.

The extension will be a welcome boost to Ajax supporters.

Per BT Sport Football, the team that gave them so many memories in the 2018-19 season has been picked apart since the end of the campaign:

In addition to Ziyech, David Neres and Dusan Tadic have agreed extensions this summer, meaning Ajax have at least kept intact the attacking trio that was such a threat last season. 

Should Ziyech have another season in which he posts similar numbers to the previous one, interest in him is likely to intensify ahead of the January and summer windows. In terms of natural talent, he is good enough to play for some of the biggest clubs in European football.

But for now, his focus is set to be on Ajax, with the Dutch side seeking to build on their sensational previous season.