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In what could see them finally sign a target they set their sights on back in January, Leeds United are now reportedly plotting a summer move to sign a defender who’s been compared to Rio Ferdinand.

Leeds set sights on January target again

As the international break ends, Leeds are set to return to action against Swansea City on Saturday afternoon knowing full well that they cannot afford any more slips. With just eight games left to play in the Championship, the Whites sit top of the league on goal difference and only two points above third-place Burnley. To put it simply, the race for automatic promotion remains on a knife-edge.

Promotion to the Premier League is almost certain to provide those at Elland Road with a major boost on the transfer front this summer too, with names such as Matt Targett already threatening to steal the headlines.

Whether they secure their place in the top flight or suffer the ultimate promotion heartbreak, however, the 49ers look set to target one particular reinforcement at Elland Road this summer.

According to GiveMeSport, Leeds are now plotting a summer move to sign Andrew Omobamidele from Nottingham Forest after missing out on his signature during the January transfer window.

£20m star really failed at Leeds, now he's outperforming Gray after leaving

The former Leeds United star has taken his career to the next level since departing Elland Road.

By
Ethan Lamb

Mar 27, 2025

Reportedly available for less than £10m if Strasbourg decide not to trigger their option to make his loan move permanent in the coming months, Omobamidele could complete a permanent exit from Nottingham Forest and join up with Daniel Farke. The Leeds boss remains a fan of the defender, who he brought through the Norwich City academy in 2021.

"Exciting" Omobamidele could find form at Leeds

Whilst his move to Nottingham Forest hasn’t quite worked out, there’s still every chance that Omobamidele finds his form elsewhere and perhaps even at Elland Road next season. The 22-year-old is yet to even reach his peak, but has already earned impressive praise from the likes of Vinny Perth.

The former Dundalk manager went as far as comparing Omobamidele with Premier League legend Ferdinand a few years ago, telling reporters: “I watched him play for the Ireland under-21s against Wales – he was ok. But I watched him against Preston in a 1-1 draw, and he subsequently stayed in the team. He has been outstanding – a really, really exciting footballer.

“They want to play out from the back, he is so comfortable on the ball. I hate giving players tags, but he looks like a young Rio Ferdinand. He has got bits to learn, in that he could develop his upper body strength but he is 18, playing against men.”

With that said, whether or not they earn a Premier League place, Leeds should push to reunite Farke with his former academy graduate and hand the German a key defensive reinforcement this summer.

The Swedish starlet seems destined to follow in his namesake's footsteps to become one of the biggest stars in world football

"Roony! Roony! Roony!" You would have been forgiven for mistaking the Parken Stadium for the peak years of the Wayne Rooney era at Old Trafford as that famous chant rained down from the stands in November 2023. But this was not some tribute to the Manchester United legend; instead, Copenhagen's supporters were rather poetically mocking their esteemed guests and hailing their new hero at the same time.

Roony Bardghji had just crashed home an 87th-minute winner against the three-time European champions, aged 17 and 359 days. In that moment the teenager had thrust himself into the limelight, making history in the process.

The name Rooney is already etched into football folklore, but Wayne's near namesake seems destined to forge his own path. His path to stardom has been muddied since that breakout appearance against the Red Devils, but a bright future with Barcelona beckons nonetheless.

The reigning champions of Spain have agreed a deal to sign Bardghji on a cut-price €2.5 million deal after he entered the final few months of his Copenhagen contract, despite the awkward professing of his love for Real Madrid earlier in his career. At least he's claimed to be trying to emulate Lionel Messi rather than one of the Galacticos. Besides, all will be forgotten if he lights up the world in Barca colours.

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  Where it all began

  Although he holds Swedish nationality, Bardghji's life began 4,000km away in Kuwait, where he was born to Syrian parents. He would play football with his dad – a Manchester United fan, hence the name – from the age of three, but his journey began in earnest when his family emigrated to Scandinavia when he was seven years old. After excelling in amateur youth teams in the south of Sweden, he was plucked by Malmo in 2019.

  Immediately it was decided that the then-14-year-old could mix it with the big boys, and he was subsequently thrown in at the deep end with the club's Under-19s – a step up that didn't faze him in the slightest.

  "What mainly struck me was his dedication in wanting to get better and train," Malmo U19s coach Jeffrey Aubynn told . "Then, he had qualities in his technique, his game understanding and how he combined with team-mates which were at an incredibly high level considering his age."

  But Bardghji hadn't just caught his coach's eye. He only spent a year with Di Blae before he was poached by Danish giants Copenhagen – Malmo's neighbours on the other side of the Oresund Bridge, despite being in another country altogether – in a murky deal that involved an astronomical signing-on fee and allegedly broke all unofficial rules for transferring youth players.

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• The big break

  Bardghji maintained his status as an U19 player at Copenhagen, and by 2021 he had done enough to earn a call-up to then-manager Jess Thorup's first-team squad. Danish Superliga rules prevent players from making their senior debuts until they turn 16, and Thorup wasted no time in involving Bardghji – throwing the teenager into his starting line-up against AGF just six days on from his 16th birthday to make him FCK's youngest-ever player.

  A week later against AaB, Bardghji made more history and truly announced himself at Denmark's biggest club. In what has become a trademark manoeuvre, Bardghji cut inside from the right before unleashing a strike into the bottom corner from 25 yards out, becoming the youngest goal-scorer in Danish top-flight history.

  The prodigious youngster has remained in the first-team picture ever since, and another headline-grabber came when opposition from England came to town in November 2023 during the Champions League group stage. Copenhagen were already on course to take a highly creditable point from the mighty Manchester United, with the scores locked at 3-3 as the clock ticked towards the 90th minute at the Parken Stadium – but Bardghji had other ideas. After Harry Maguire and co failed to deal with an out-swinging cross, the attacker pounced on the loose ball and expertly lashed a shot into the turf that looped into the back of the net.

  Not only had Bardghji bagged a famous winner, but he had also become the youngest player ever to score against United in the Champions League, and Copenhagen's youngest-ever scorer in the competition. Another historic moment, this time six days prior to his birthday rather than six days after.

  That was the game that propelled him into the limelight, but it wasn't even his first big-game late show of the season. With FCK 2-1 down in the Copenhagen derby against city rivals Brondby back in September, Bardghji was afforded just 11 minutes to make a difference off the bench. The full-time score? 3-2 to Copenhagen courtesy of a five-minute brace from their rising star.

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  How it's going

  You'd be forgiven for thinking that fateful November was the ignition to Bardghji's long career at the top level. However, he hasn't been fortunate enough to kick on in the way the world had envisaged.

  He spent the remainder of the 2023-24 season in and out of the Copenhagen starting line up, totalling 10 goals in 34 senior appearances, though notably not tallying a single assist. Then, disaster struck. During a routine training session in May 2024, Bardghji sustained a serious knee injury, which would rule him out for the following 334 days.

  It was a hefty blow just as the winger was building momentum as one of Europe's top prospects, missing a whopping 48 games with Copenhagen. Bardghji eventually made his return in the Superliga championship play-offs on 31 March, 2025, making a nine-minute cameo in a 1-0 victory at home to Randers, but three further substitute appearances and two starts later, he was again ruled out for the season with a minor injury.

  For the first time in two years, Bardghji will be able to prepare for a full campaign with a pre-season and decent period of rest under his belt. The hope is he can rediscover that sharpness and fluidity quickly, ensuring what happened in 2023-24 was the start of something significant and not merely a purple patch.

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  Biggest strengths

  As a tricky winger, it is perhaps unsurprising that Bardghji's most eye-catching traits are his dribbling and footwork, while his ability to find and manipulate space belies his tender age.

  He is adept at keeping the ball, either through his carrying or by picking a pass at the right time. The early signs are that he possesses excellent vision, too, although that is yet to be reflected in his assist and key pass statistics. When surrounded by more premier talent and clinical finishers, they should shoot up.

  Taking inspiration from his near namesake, Wayne, Bardghji proved himself a steady source of goals for Copenhagen during his ascendance and before that pesky knee injury. Though Danish club football is far from the pinnacle of the European game, he still has plenty of winners medals in his cabinet after playing a part in three Superliga triumphs and two cup victories.

Liverpool's Andy Robertson has revealed his loving nickname for Diogo Jota as he pens a heartbreaking and emotional letter to the late Portugal forward after his fatal car crash. Jota and his brother Andre Silva lost their lives in the early hours of Thursday in Spain after a burst tyre caused their car to veer off the highway. Robertson has also revealed his loving nickname for 'Scottish' Jota.

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• Robertson sends heartfelt message to Jota
• Reveals special nickname for 'forever' teammate
• Sends love and strength to his family

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The unfortunate news broke of Jota's death in the morning hours of Thursday, after reports from Spain claimed that the Liverpool forward's car had been involved in a car crash in Zamora. Portugal and Liverpool then confirmed the news, and tributes quickly flooded in for the Anfield favourite, and Robertson, who was good friends with Jota off and on the pitch, has now penned a very emotional letter for the 'gentle soul'.

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• ROBERTSON'S TRIBUTE TO JOTA

  On Instagram, Robertson wrote a heartbreaking message to Jota which read: "The ones I’m thinking about most right now are the family. Their loss is too much to bear. I’m so sorry that they have lost two such precious souls – Diogo and Andre.

  "For the team and the Club, we’ll try to cope with this together… however long that takes. For me, I want to talk about my mate. My buddy. The bloke I loved and will miss like crazy. I could talk about him as a player for hours, but none of that feels like it matters right now. It’s the man. The person. He was such a good guy. The best. So genuine. Just normal and real. Full of love for the people he cared about. Full of fun.

  "He was the most British foreign player I’ve ever met. We used to joke he was really Irish… I’d try to claim him as Scottish, obviously. I even called him Diogo MacJota. We’d watch the darts together, enjoy the horse racing. Going to Cheltenham this season was a highlight – one of the best we had. The last time I saw him was the happiest day of his life – his wedding day. I want to remember his never-ceasing smile from that magical day. How much he was bursting with love for his wife and family.

  "I can’t believe we’re saying goodbye. It’s too soon, and it hurts so much.

  "But thank you for being in my life, mate – and for making it better.

  "Love you, Diogo."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  During their five years together, Jota and Robertson helped Liverpool win the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup. The two Reds stars developed a special bond during that period that went beyond the bounds of Anfield. The two were frequently spotted watching horse racing, darts, or playing FIFA together.

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  FURTHER TRIBUTES TO JOTA

  The tragic loss is a difficult one to take for the footballing world and Liverpool, especially. Fans of all clubs have come together to celebrate the life of Jota as tributes have poured in from all around the world for the adored former Portuguese international and his brother, Andre.

Endrick has made a decision on his Real Madrid future after suffering yet another injury setback. The Brazilian youngster was linked with a move away from Santiago Bernabeu this summer due to lack of game time in his maiden season, however, his transfer plans have hit a snag. Under Carlo Ancelotti, Endrick started in only eight matches across all competitions but managed to score seven goals.

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• Endrick makes decision on Madrid future
• Suffered fresh injury setback
• Unlikely to leave Real Madrid this summer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Earlier this week, reported that Endrick was on the verge of making it back to the Madrid first-team but has now suffered yet another injury setback after relapsing on the hamstring injury he sustained against Sevilla in La Liga. The latest injury is likely to keep him out of action upto two months and as a result, the youngster might fail to exit Santiago Bernabeu this summer.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  With the rise of Gonzalo Garcia, who has impressed at the Club World Cup with four goals and started every game in the competition, Xabi Alonso now has multiple attacking options at his disposal. In such a situation, the Spanish would ideally want to offload one of the attacking players in this summer transfer window. Endrick could have secured a loan move elsewhere to get more first-team opportunities but his injury might force Los Blancos to part ways with Garcia, according to .

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Endrick wants to play regularly in the 2025-26 campaign as that would help him to secure a place in Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil squad for the World Cup next. He had earlier attracted interest from Ligue 1 giants Marseille and PSV Eindhoven.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

  The Spanish giants are currently on break following their elimination from the Club World Cup semi-final after losing against Paris Saint-Germain. They will begin their La Liga journey on August 19 against Osasuna.

Cole Palmer was seen lashing out in frustration after Nicolas Jackson squandered a chance in Chelsea's victory over Fluminense at the Club World Cup.

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• Palmer kicked post in frustration
• Jackson passed up great chance
• Chelsea still reached Club World Cup final

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Palmer was left fuming after Jackson elected to shoot for goal himself rather than square the ball across the box for the England international to tap in. He kicked the post and vented his frustrations to Jackson, who offered a hand of apology after passing up the chance to help make it 3-0 against Fluminense by missing the target with his shot on Tuesday night.

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• WATCH THE CLIP

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Thankfully for Chelsea, the miss meant little. Enzo Maresca's side were already in control thanks to Joao Pedro's double, with the Brazilian making a mark on his full debut for the Blues. In contrast, this was Jackson's first appearance since being sent off in the defeat to Flamengo during the group stages.

  Watch every game of the FIFA Club World Cup live on DAZNStream now

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  With Liam Delap also arriving at Stamford Bridge this summer, Jackson cannot afford to pass up opportunities to make an impression when given the chance. However, the Senegal international did enjoy a reasonably productive 2024-25 season in the Premier League, bagging ten goals after contributing 14 strikes the campaign prior.

Wrexham CEO Michael Williamson opened up about the club's ambition ahead of the 2025-26 Championship season as he revealed when the club's rivals should start worrying about them. The Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney-owned club are eyeing a fourth consecutive promotion as they aim to fulfil their dream of competing in the Premier League.

• Wrexham chief issued warning to rivals
• Aiming aiming for fourth successive promotion
• Wrexham face Southampton in season opener

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Wrexham have witnessed a major change in their fortunes since Hollywood actor duo Reynolds and McElhenney took charge of the club in 2021. Since the actors' arrival, the Welsh side have achieved three successive promotions from the National League to the Championship. Now, ahead of competing in the English second-tier, Wrexham chief Williamson revealed the club's ambitions for the 2025-26 campaign and at what point in the season their rivals should start worrying about them.

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• WHAT WILLIAMSON SAID

  Speaking to , the Red Dragons chief said: "The expectation is, and Rob McElhenney will say that he doesn't know what this word is, but obviously we need to consolidate our position in the Championship. If we are able to find ourselves halfway through the season, in December, in that 3-4-5-6-7 position, people should be worried about us. Because I believe if we make the playoffs with the type of mentality that we have, anything can happen in 90 minutes. I really would give ourselves a strong shot of giving it a run."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Wrexham toured Australia and New Zealand for their pre-season preparations, where they played three friendly matches. While they started the tour Down Under with a 3-0 win over Melbourne Victory, Phil Parkinson's side lost the remaining matches against Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

  Wrexham will kick off the Championship 2025-26 season with their opening match scheduled on August 9 against Southampton.

Rasmus Hojlund is reportedly on RB Leipzig's radar as Manchester United continue to pursue their talisman Benjamin Sesko.

• Man Utd eye RB Leipzig's Sesko
• Hojlund keen on Old Trafford stay
• Transfer options mount up

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Amid United's interest in Sesko, The Athletic reports that Leipzig are among several clubs now looking at Hojlund. That has 'raised the prospect' of a swap deal for the two strikers, with United also likely to have to stump up a fee given the disparity in the players’ valuations.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The report adds that Hojlund, who says he wants to stay and "fight" for his spot at United, would not be expected to start each game if Sesko – who is valued at upwards of £65 million ($85.5m) – joined the club. The Danish international has not been told he is directly up for sale, with the Red Devils currently valuing him at just under £45m ($59m) – a long way off his £72m ($94.7m) transfer from Atalanta in 2023. 

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Inter Milan reportedly held concrete interest in Hojlund, 22, but the Serie A team moved on to Ange-Yoan Bonny, who joined from Parma for €26m (£22.5m). If United do sign Sesko, they are likely to have to sell players first, with Alejandro Garnacho at the top of that list.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  It remains to be seen whether Hojlund will still be a United player when the summer transfer window closes on September 1 and if Ruben Amorim's team can secure a Sesko deal. An intriguing few weeks lie ahead.

Newcastle are interested in signing both Randal Kolo Muani and Samu Aghehowa as they continue to plan for a successor to Alexander Isak.

• Isak wants Liverpool move 
• Newcastle eye Kolo Muani and Aghehowa 
• Have endured tough summer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per , Newcastle are considering a move for Aghehowa at Porto as they continue succession planning for Isak's potential exit. Liverpool are continuing to pursue a deal to sign the Sweden international in a British record transfer that could reach £150 million ($200m). The Magpies have already missed out on RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, who is set to move to Manchester United, and also failed to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton, as he joined Chelsea, and Bryan Mbeumo, who also went to United.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Amid the context of their multiple snubs, Newcastle are also considering a move for PSG's Kolo Muani, per , but they face serious competition from Juventus. The Frenchman spent time on loan at the Serie A club last season and is said to be keen on a return to Italy. 

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Newcastle have only signed two first-team players thus far this summer: Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest and Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Newcastle kick off their season next weekend against Aston Villa. They do not currently have a senior No.9 available for selection, provided they do not pick Isak. 

Newcastle United are set to go back in for Yoane Wissa after Brentford agreed a £37 million ($50m) fee to sign Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth. The Cherries forward has given the green light for a switch to the Gtech Community Stadium, with final formalities expected within days. Ouattara’s arrival effectively ends Brentford’s resistance to selling the DR Congo striker.

• Newcastle closing in on Wissa
• Brentford to seal £37m Ouattara deal
• Transfer domino could send Isak to Liverpool

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to Wissa claims he believed he had a gentleman’s agreement with Brentford to depart this summer after honouring his commitment to the club for the 2024-25 campaign. Instead, negotiations have dragged on, with Wissa training alone at one point and even walking out of Brentford’s pre-season camp in Portugal to force the issue.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Wissa has made no secret of his desire to play Champions League football, and Newcastle are the only club he is waiting for. While Newcastle’s latest approach came close, £30m ($41m) plus £5m in add-ons, it still fell short of Brentford’s £40m ($54m) asking price. However, with the capture of Ouattara, they will be more inclined to cash in on Wissa, who will sit out Sunday's trip to Nottingham Forest.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The Wissa deal could spark a transfer chain reaction involving Newcastle’s biggest star, Alexander Isak. The Magpies have been unwilling to sanction his sale without first securing a replacement, and missing out on Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United left them short on options.

  Liverpool have been desperate to land Isak, with a £110m ($249m) offer rejected earlier this month. The Sweden striker, however, is said to be pushing for the move and has been training away from the first team. With Wissa’s arrival now imminent, Newcastle’s stance could change rapidly, allowing Isak to complete a blockbuster switch to Anfield before the transfer window closes.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR NEWCASTLE?

  Wissa’s proven scoring touch would give Howe another potent weapon in attack, while losing Isak would be a blow softened by his arrival. Nonetheless, Howe will be desperate to have clarity over his squad as quickly as possible as they begin their Premier League campaign against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Kingsley Coman’s Bayern Munich exit is set to be finalised in a €30 million Al-Nassr move after the Germans initially considered blocking the sale.

• Bayern initially resisted cut-price sale
• Coman to sign three-year Al-Nassr deal
• Move leaves Bayern short on wide options

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The French international Coman's departure to Saudi Arabia now appears to be taking shape. After reported that Bayern Munich’s club management disagreed with the price terms allegedly negotiated by sporting director Max Eberl, the deal is now said to be imminent.

  The report claimed there was no final agreement between the German record champions and Cristiano Ronaldo's club Al-Nassr. On Thursday morning, however, a new development has emerged. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Bayern officials have approved the sale of Coman. The attacker is expected to travel to Al-Nassr today to finalise the transfer. He will sign a three-year contract, and the transfer fee is reportedly under €30m (£26m/$35m). Initially, these figures did not meet the expectations of the Bayern hierarchy.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Al-Nassr are undoubtedly one of the financially strongest clubs in the world, which is why, according to the report, Bayern’s management hoped to secure significantly more money, especially given that €75 million (£65m/$87m) was paid to Liverpool for Luis Diaz, who is only eight months younger than Coman. Furthermore, the Frenchman was under contract with the Munich team until 2027.

  In addition, the squad currently offers few options up front. Following the departures of Leroy Sane to Galatasaray and Thomas Muller to MLS, Coman's move would leave coach Vincent Kompany with only Serge Gnabry, Michael Olise, Lennart Karl and Díaz available for the two wing positions. Due to injuries to Jamal Musiala, who is unlikely to return until the end of the first half of the season, and youngster Paul Wanner, Olise is currently needed in the centre.

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  TELL ME MORE

  Bayern would therefore have to spend money to sign at least one more attacker. Since there is still no progress in the negotiations with Stuttgart regarding Nick Woltemade, three further options are being discussed.

  Firstly, interest in Malick Fofana from Lyon has flared up again. Secondly, Christopher Nkunku from Chelsea remains a topic of conversation at Sabener Strasse. Furthermore, RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons is also still being discussed, although his move to the Blues is not yet finalised. There is also no agreement on a transfer fee for him.

  In any case, it is clear that Bayern would have to pay more than than the fee they have received for Coman to buy Woltemade, Nkunku or Simons. Only by signing Fofana could a transfer surplus be generated from the Coman deal.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN?

  Bayern Munich face Stuttgart in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup, a clash between two sides with lofty ambitions for the 2025-26 season. Both teams ebter this game after a title run, Stuttgart qualified as DFB-Pokal winners, while Bayern enter as Bundesliga champions.

  Adding intrigue to the fixture is the ongoing transfer tussle between the two clubs for Woltemade, creating an undercurrent of tension ahead of this early-season showdown on August 17.