FC Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has said he's pain-free ahead of the new season and feels "really good" after injury brought an early end to his 2018-19 campaign.

Neuer, 33, missed Bayern's last five league matches of the season due to a calf injury but appears to have regained full fitness after starting in each of their three pre-season matches so far this summer.

Speaking to the official Bundesliga website (h/t Goal's Matt Dorman), he said: "I feel really good right now. I'm not in any pain and can take part in everything we're doing. I'm really looking forward to the new season."

The veteran missed 11 games last season, but he was sidelined for 54 matches in the 2017-18 campaign, per Transfermarkt, when he played just four games.

Neuer's last competitive appearance for Die Roten came in the DFB-Pokal final in May when they defeated RB Leipzig 3-0.

The former Schalke star offered a reminder of how great an impact he can have on a result when playing at his best:

Bayern have made numerous changes to their back line this summer, signing versatile centre-backs Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard from Atletico Madrid and Stuttgart, respectively.

Mats Hummels has rejoined Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, and Neuer called for new leaders to step up: "We've got a lot of players who are established and know each other well, but also some guys who will have bigger roles to play because of the departures. They have to prove they can take on leadership roles."

Sven Ulreich has served as Neuer's deputy when required in recent seasons, but there's little doubting the latter is a noticeable step up.

There have been suggestions Neuer should transition out as Germany's first-choice goalkeeper, with Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen tipped as the favourite to succeed him.

Spanish sportswriter Simon Harrison put the younger Ter Stegen, 27, ahead of his countryman in the pecking order:

He’s not even the best German goalkeeper, unfortunately. Ter Stegen has surpassed him these last two seasons, he’s got a lot of ground to make up to get back to no. 1.

— Simon Harrison (@simonhfootball) May 31, 2019

German football writer Manuel Veth went so far as to label Ter Stegen the best stopper on the planet:

Tonight's game between #Barca and #LFC is another friendly reminder that the world's best keeper is currently only the number 2 for #DieMannschaft. For more on the battle between Neuer and ter Stegen check out my piece on @ForbesSports https://t.co/Zu2KRm5tXz

— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) May 1, 2019

Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben's departures will also affect the balance of leadership in Bayern's dressing room, placing more pressure on Neuer to have a consistent, incident-free season during the transition.

Neuer has played 135 minutes in pre-season and is yet to concede a goal. Die Roten return to the Allianz Arena to face Fenerbahce in the Audi Cup on Tuesday, with the final or third-place play-off against either Tottenham Hotspur or Real Madrid the following day marking their last pre-season fixture.   

Bayern Munich defeated AC Milan 1-0 in the 2019 International Champions Cup on Tuesday at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas.  

Leon Goretzka scored the only goal, giving Bayern the lead in the third minute of first-half injury time.

Joshua Kimmich did the hard work to set up Bayern's winner. Kimmich instinctively read Goretzka's run into the 18-yard box and put just enough weight on the pass to hit the midfielder in stride.

Goretzka calmly side-footed his finish past Gianluigi Donnarumma and into the far post.

Sven Ulreich, who replaced Manuel Neuer to open the second half, stepped up to preserve Bayern's lead in the 65th minute. A poor pass from Niklas Sule allowed Patrick Cutrone to run clear through on goal. Cutrone had ample time and space to line up his shot, but Ulreich got a leg to his low shot.

#SvenTheWall just bailed out Sule for that terrible pass that led to a 1v1 for Milan...Well done, Sven! #FCBACM pic.twitter.com/WkN8OaYxyb

— Bavarian Football Works (@BavarianFBWorks) July 24, 2019

Jann-Fiete Arp secured his transfer to Bayern from Hamburg in February but didn't officially join the reigning German champions until this summer. The 19-year-old was quickly inserted into the first team for the preseason, appearing in each of Bayern's first two matches of the International Champions Cup.

Arp's wait for his first goal at his new club will continue. Although he slammed the ball into the back of the net in the 82nd minute, the referee correctly waved off the goal due to a handball by Arp immediately preceding the tally.

TFW you score your first #FCBayern goal and it's called off. 😒 pic.twitter.com/zsPeXj0ckM

— 🇺🇸 FC Bayern US 🇨🇦 (@FCBayernUS) July 24, 2019

David Alaba also watched as his goal was quickly wiped away after he was offside in the 90th minute while trying to collect Thiago Alcantara's through ball.

In general, the match suffered from the fact Bayern and Milan are at contrasting points of their respective preseasons. The former is winding things down for the most part, while the latter is just getting started—with a new manager, Marco Giampaolo, to boot.

As a result, Bayern didn't go above and beyond in search of a second goal, and Milan was content to settle for a defeat.

The result itself will be less frustrating for Giampaolo than the fact Theo Hernandez appeared to injure his ankle. Hernandez looked dangerous for stretches running down the left flank but was stretchered off in the 45th minute.

The Bavarians play Fenerbahce on July 30 in their first match of the Audi Cup. After that, they'll take on Borussia Dortmund in the German Supercup on Aug. 3, which is the traditional curtain-raiser for the German domestic season.

Milan play twice more in the International Champions Cup. They meet Benfica on Sunday and close out the event against Manchester United on Aug. 3.

Gareth Bale "would be welcome at Bayern Munich" if he leaves Real Madrid this summer, according to midfielder Thiago Alcantara.

Bale's future at the Santiago Bernabeu is in major doubt after manager Zinedine Zidane confirmed Real are looking to move the Welshman on:

Zinedine Zidane confirms Real Madrid are looking to sell Gareth Bale. pic.twitter.com/ZnTR3Q3RTm

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 21, 2019

Per Sid Lowe of the Guardian, China is a potential destination for Bale, whose "options have been limited by his age, salary and transfer fee."

Lowe added Bayern "could not afford him" as his salary is €17 million (£15.25 million) a year after tax and Real are "reluctant to accept a free transfer."

Thiago, though, has backed a potential move for the 30-year-old to the Allianz Arena to fill the boots of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, who both departed Bayern at the end of last season, per Football Espana: 

"It is pretty easy to say that he would be welcome at Bayern Munich. We have lost two superb wingers [Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben], two players who have written a lot of Bayern's history and Gareth Bale plays in pretty much the same position as them. So if someone of Gareth Bale's calibre wants to come here then, as I said, he is a quality player who would be more than welcome here."

It is certainly a move that makes sense.

Bayern could match Bale's ambition given they are perennial Bundesliga title winners and are regulars in the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League, which Bale has won four times:

Gareth Bale will be leaving Real Madrid having won it all 🏆 pic.twitter.com/F1989GrtCX

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 21, 2019

The German giants also need to replace Robben and Ribery, who have been Bayern's key attackers for the last decade.

However, if Bayern cannot afford to sign him, the transfer is a non-starter.

Unlike most of Europe's other major clubs, Bayern have a reputation for being remarkably frugal and still maintaining a squad of enormous quality.

They recently broke their transfer record by spending €80 million (£68 million) to sign defender Lucas Hernandez from Atletico Madrid. No other signing has ever cost Bayern more than £40 million.  

Two of Europe's biggest sides go head-to-head in the International Champions Cup on Tuesday when Bayern Munich meet AC Milan at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City.

Bayern are fresh from a 3-1 victory over Real Madrid in Texas, while Milan will be kicking off their pre-season preparations under new manager Marco Giampaolo.

Robert Lewandowski will be aiming for his third goal in as many games in pre-season, but he will be up against goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who made his Milan debut in the ICC in 2015.

Here are the full details for what should be a fascinating clash:

                  

Date: Tuesday, July 23

Time: 8 p.m. local, 9 p.m. ET, 2 a.m. BST (Wednesday)

TV Info: Premier 1 (UK)

Live Stream: Premier Player, ESPN+

Match Odds (via Sporting Bet): Bayern 4-5, Milan 14-5, Draw 14-5

                                              

Only Real Madrid have won more UEFA Champions Leagues than Milan, but the Italian giants have found themselves out of the European elite for some time now.

They last won the Scudetto in 2010-11 and have not finished in Serie A's top four since 2012-13.

Bayern, meanwhile, have won seven Bundesliga titles in a row and remain regulars in the latter stages of the Champions League.

The two sides met in the ICC in 2017 and Milan won 4-0. Patrick Cutrone scored twice on that occasion, and he will be looking to find the net again on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old is joined in Milan's attacking ranks by Krzysztof Piatek, who netted 22 goals in Serie A last season for Genoa and the Rossoneri:

Here's the 27-man squad called up by Coach Giampaolo for the #ICC2019 📋
⚽ Good luck out there boys! 🇺🇸#FollowTheFlames

Ecco i 27 rossoneri convocati da Mister Giampaolo per la #ICC2019 📋
⚽ Forza ragazzi! 🇺🇸#FollowTheFlames pic.twitter.com/8LH3wlTJIu

— AC Milan (@acmilan) July 19, 2019

Lewandowski had the same league return in Germany last term, scoring 22 and providing seven assists in the Bundesliga, while his combined return for all competitions was a remarkable 40 goals.

On the basis of his start to pre-season, the 30-year-old has not lost his scoring touch. He netted Bayern's second in their win over Real and was his side's sole goalscorer in their 2-1 defeat to Arsenal.

Lewandowski will have to be kept quiet if Milan are to pick up victory in Kansas, but the Italians also have their own marksmen to trouble Bayern. 

Bayern Munich midfielder Renato Sanches believes he won't leave the club during the summer transfer window, as manager Niko Kovac needs him and believes in his future.

The former Golden Boy winner has yet to live up to the lofty expectations in Germany, and it has led to some speculation regarding his future. Per Goal's Chris Burton, he thinks he will get his chance to shine in the coming season:

"I just want what's best for me. If the best for me is to stay here, I'll stay - I want to play football.

"We’ve spoken about everything.

"We’ve talked about my situation and training. He (Kovac) told me that he’s going to give me and the other players a chance to prove ourselves.

"Me and the other players, we’re starting from zero. I think he needs me because I’m a good player and the club believes in me."

He previously fuelled the exit rumours himself by openly discussing where he could go if he left, per Sport1 (h/t Goal's Ronan Murphy):

Renato Sanches on his future, to Sport1: “If I have to stay, I'll stay. Should I leave Bayern, I will not stay in Germany. If I go, then it will be permanent.” He also ruled out a move to PSG. #FCBayern #PSG

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) July 17, 2019

Kovac has said the talent isn't going anywhere:

Niko Kovac says Renato Sanches is staying at Bayern Munich: “We talked to Renato and told him that we would like to keep him.” #FCBayern

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) July 20, 2019

Sanches made the move to Germany in 2016 after a breakout campaign with Benfica. He then played a key role for Portugal in their UEFA Euro 2016 triumph, elevating the expectations even further.

But things haven't gone according to plan since. The 21-year-old spent the 2017-18 campaign on loan at Swansea City but didn't make much of an impact, and he made just four Bundesliga starts for the Bavarians last season.

Sanches did flash his talent in spurts and bagged his first goal in the German top flight during the 2018-19 campaign. While his progression may have slowed tremendously, he remains a talented youngster with tons of room for growth.

If he were available for transfer, there is little doubt interested clubs would be all over him. Perhaps a permanent change of scenery is all he needs to get back on track, and his value is likely lower than it has ever been since he left Portugal.

Kovac seems determined to keep working with the youngster, however, and more opportunities seem likely in the coming season.

Joining Bayern Munich isn't the next inevitable step for Kai Havertz after the Bayer Leverkusen star, who has also been linked with Liverpool, cast doubt on the idea of a move to the Allianz Arena.

Speaking to Bild (h/t Goal), Havertz discussed where his future may lie: "I really don't know yet whether Bayern is the next and right step for me. I also don't know whether foreign countries would not be more suitable for me. I really don't think too much about it at the moment."

While he was open about the fact he could be an asset for Die Roten, the 20-year-old made sure to note he could also fit elsewhere.

Liverpool represents one possibility, with the Reds named alongside Bayern and Barcelona as suitors, according to Bild (h/t TalkSport's Josh Fordham). Despite the links, Leverkusen have previously been adamant their star player will stay for at least another season.

Back in June, Leverkusen described a transfer as "impossible," per Goal's Sam France and SPOX. German source TZ (h/t France) had reported an offer worth €90 million from Bayern.

If Liverpool were to test Leverkusen's resolve, this summer would be the moment to do it. In May, Leverkusen sporting director Reiner Calmund told Bild (h/t Metro's Phil Haigh): "Havertz will go to Bayern next year, not this year."

Havertz appeared to echo the sentiment earlier this month:

Kai Havertz is like a boulder – staying put ⛰️.

(At least this coming season...) pic.twitter.com/yigYjQjJlD

— DW Sports (@dw_sports) July 15, 2019

The desire to acquire the player sooner is understandable given his rapid rise as one of the most skilled attackers in Europe. Havertz combines pace with flair, vision and shooting power. Those qualities helped him score 17 goals and provide three assists in the Bundesliga last season.

As a natural athlete and relentless runner in the final third, Havertz is an ideal fit for the pressing game Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp demands:

Kai Havertz: Only Max Kruse (31) won possession in the attacking third more times than @kaihavertz29 (26) in the Bundesliga this season

For more player stats -- https://t.co/WFb3ZdzpU4 pic.twitter.com/kGwjnjhk5p

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) May 28, 2019

Exactly where Havertz would fit in a Liverpool squad that already has Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah along the front is a mystery, however.

One possibility would be to turn him into a roving central schemer, the way Philippe Coutinho was before his move to Barcelona in 2018. The Reds have lacked creativity from central areas while both Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Adam Lallana have struggled to stay fit.

Bayern's need for Havertz is more obvious, with Die Roten looking to refresh things out wide following the departures of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery. It's already obvious Havertz won't lack for suitors whenever Leverkusen decide to finally cash in.  

Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has suggested Robert Lewandowski could sign a new contract with Bayern Munich. 

He told Bild (h/t Goal's Joe Wright):

"It's not all wrapped up, but there's already the development with Robert that he feels extremely comfortable with Bayern Munich.

"When you look at his body, this is a player who can easily play at this level for a few more years."

Goal's Ronan Murphy relayed a recent report that Lewandowski would extend his stay at the Allianz Arena by a further two years:

Robert Lewandowski is set to sign a new contract keeping him at Bayern Munich until 2023, according to Sky Germany. His current deal expires in 2021. #FCBayern

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) July 5, 2019

The Poland international will be 31 in August, but he's showing little sign of slowing down yet.

Last season, he won his fifth Bundesliga title in as many years with Bayern as part of a league-and-cup double, and he bagged 40 goals and 13 assists in 47 matches in all competitions.

He has consistently been among the most prolific goalscorers in European football in recent years, as Squawka Football demonstrated:

Robert Lewandowski has scored 40+ goals across all club competitions in each of his last four seasons:

2015-16: 51 games, 42 goals
2016-17: 47 games, 43 goals
2017-18: 48 games, 41 goals
2018-19: 47 games, 40 goals

🙅‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/F2XnTkCo6I

— Squawka (@Squawka) May 26, 2019

While he continues to be an important asset, tying him down to ensure he spends the remainder of his years at the top level with Bayern is shrewd business from the German champions.

Munich have added Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard to their wealth of defensive options this summer, and Rummenigge doesn't "see many better in Europe."

Although he acknowledged the need for a winger following the departures of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, he's happy with "what we have to offer up front ... it's all good."

He hopes manager Niko Kovac can enjoy a similarly successful second season in charge:

"Niko knows we are a club that needs success. We're interested in continuity, in the coaching position as well. I wish him as successful a second season as he had last year, with the double, and perhaps one more round in the Champions League. Everyone would then be very happy with Bayern."

Kovac was under pressure at times during his first campaign as Bayern spent much of it trailing Borussia Dortmund before beating them to the title by two points.

The club will need to be wary of another challenge from Dortmund next season, but they have an excellent chance of defending their title, particularly if they continue to strengthen in the transfer market.

If Kovac is able to secure the Bundesliga yet again next year, Lewandowski's goals will almost certainly have played a key role.

The agent of PSV Eindhoven winger Steven Bergwijn has hinted the player would be prepared to wait for Bayern Munich amid rumours linking him with Manchester United. 

Following a report in Sport Bild on Wednesday that said Bergwijn's camp wanted Bayern to make a move for him, his agent, Fulco van Kooperen, spoke to ESPN FC.

"We have never said we are losing patience," he said. "Bayern are a great and huge club, and it's great they like Steven. They can take all the time they need."

According to MailOnline's Max Winters, the winger is a target for United, while Tottenham Hotspur, Inter Milan and Ajax are also interested in him.

Van Kooperen added: "On the other side, it's not a secret there are more clubs which like him."

The 21-year-old had the best season of his career in 2018/19, helping PSV finish second in the Eredivisie, three points behind Ajax.

Along the way, he notched 15 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, including this fine solo effort against PEC Zwolle:

😲 Steven Bergwijn with an 80 yard run and the finish to go with it 🔥

His goal helped PSV to a 4-0 win, putting them ahead of Ajax in the 🇳🇱 Eredivisie with 6 games to go!@FootballOranje_ pic.twitter.com/VW7UEZbU8X

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) April 5, 2019

The goal demonstrated the youngster's electric pace, and he has the dribbling skills to accompany it:

Steven Bergwijn (21) of PSV Eindhoven was the only player to complete 100+ dribbles in the Eredivisie this season.

• 166 dribbles attempted
• 105 dribbles completed

Zoomer. pic.twitter.com/dCIsOwg38g

— SCOUTED (@scoutedftbl) May 19, 2019

He's equally comfortable on the left or right, and he has made five senior appearances for the Netherlands national team.

He was complimentary when asked about the Red Devils recently:

Inside PSV academy graduate Steven Bergwijn's rise to the top 🧐 pic.twitter.com/LKr3nWaLrW

— GOAL (@goal) July 8, 2019

United have already signed winger Daniel James from Swansea City this summer.

Despite being only a month older, Bergwijn is further along in his development, with 120 first-team appearances in his club career compared to James' 39.

The Red Devils' right flank has been sorely neglected in recent years, and Bergwijn is more accustomed to playing there at senior level than James, who spent most of his time on the left last season.

Bayern are in need of wing reinforcements too after the departures of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben, so it would be of little surprise if they were to pursue the Dutchman.

Bayern Munich coach Niko Kovac has confirmed the club's interest in Manchester City's Leroy Sane and Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele.

Christian Falk of Sport Bild added the club is "able to financially support one of the two transfers. The club is now waiting for a signal if one of the players wants to come."

Kovac's comments come a day after club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said he could soon speak to Sane about a potential move.

According to Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News, the Bayern supremo said Sane might soon discuss his future:

"The status is that he comes back from vacation this week and did not want to talk during the vacation time.

"Now you will have to wait in peace and quiet to see if something moves in this direction.

"It is well known that we are still looking for a wide player. We lost Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben, two players who have shaped the face of Bayern."

Sane has been a huge success since moving from Schalke to the Premier League in 2016, and the forward has won English football's top competition twice.

However, the 23-year-old was increasingly used as a substitute last term, starting only 25 games in the Premier League and Europe.

Sane remains a remarkable talent, and despite his reduced minutes last season, he scored 14 goals and provided 15 assists in those competitions.

Bayern president Uli Hoeness recently suggested Sane might be out of his club's price range this summer.

Speaking to Kicker (h/t Sky Sports), Hoeness said the chances of a deal for the player do not look good: "It is unlikely that it will work. It's about sums, they're insane."

Ribery has said Sane could be a good fit for his former club if they want to replace the width he and Robben provided.

Speaking to Sport Bild (h/t Goal's Chloe Beresford), Ribery said: "Sane would be a player who could help Bayern to move forward. He's skillful, can play on the right and left side, and I'm curious to see if he will really fancy the Bundesliga and will opt for Munich."

Per Bajkowski, Bayern have reportedly rejected the idea of meeting City's £100 million valuation of the Germany international.

City will want to retain Sane, and he is only at the start of his development and potential. Losing the forward would weaken Pep Guardiola's rotation options.

The English champions need to provide the player with increased starts and ensure he is not tempted to try his luck at another club.

Bayern are one of the biggest teams in the world and can offer Sane an extraordinary stage in Bavaria.

Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara said he would welcome the arrival of Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele amid rumours he is wanted by the Bundesliga giants.

Goal's Ronan Murphy relayed reports that Dembele is among Bayern's top targets this summer:

Bayern Munich are interested in Roma's Cengiz Ünder and Monaco's Benjamin Henrichs, according to kicker. However, Leroy Sane and Ousmane Dembele remain at the top of their shortlist. #FCBayern #ASRoma #ASM

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) July 8, 2019

Thiago told German outlet Bild (h/t Goal's James Westwood):

"Dembele is a great player, but I am not the sporting director who decides if a player will be bought or not.

"As a football player and one who played against him I can say: 'He is a very good footballer.'

"I would like to play with all the great players who would love to come to Bayern."

Amid speculation Barcelona could part with Dembele this summer to make way for a return to the Camp Nou for Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain, football writer Andrew Gaffney hopes Barca keep the Frenchman instead of signing the Brazilian:

I know it's an unpopular opinion in some parts (although not everywhere) but signing Griezmann and keeping Dembele would be a better summer for Barça than signing Neymar at the expense of Dembele.

— Andrew Gaffney (@GaffneyVLC) July 5, 2019

That could be the case, based on comments from Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu, per ESPN's Samuel Marsden:

Bartomeu: Dembele is young, talented, offers something different. I consider him better than Neymar. He has so much room to grow and we want him to do it here.

— Samuel Marsden (@samuelmarsden) July 5, 2019

Dembele, 22, signed for the Catalan giants in 2017 after one season with Borussia Dortmund, in which he notched 10 goals and 22 assists in 50 appearances.

Injury issues have limited him to 65 appearances with Barca across two campaigns, and he has contributed 18 goals and 17 assists in that time.

The winger can play on either flank, aided by the fact that he's equally comfortable using both feet.

He's got pace to burn and he's supremely skilful, too, so while his decision-making still needs some work, he's a dangerous player in the final third.

Dembele would be an excellent asset for Bayern, particularly after the departures of wing duo Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery at the end of last season, so it's little wonder Thiago would be happy for him to join.

His availability would largely rest on Neymar's arrival at Barcelona, though, and from Bartomeu's comments, it seems unlikely that will happen.