Bayern Munich begin cup campaign at Osnabrück
Former Bayern midfielder Leon Goretzka has joined Aston Villa on a free after his contract expired, becoming the club’s first German signing in more than 20 years.
Former Bayern midfielder Renato Sanches is a free agent after PSG terminated his contract, ending a difficult spell after loans to Roma, Benfica and Panathinaikos.
Roy Makaay says Harry Kane is a main Ballon d'Or contender after 61 Bayern goals and six for England, backing the club's push and saying he would deserve the award.
Bayern begin their DFB-Pokal campaign at Osnabrück with Urbig set to start, Musiala back in training, and Gnabry and Boey unavailable amid expected rotation.
Vincent Kompany wanted a third major Bayern signing, but club bosses vetoed it and stuck to giving academy and second-team talents a pathway into the senior squad.
Bayern are cited among clubs that paid tribute after Lionel Messi’s international retirement, while Barcelona are criticised for silence and deleting their only comment.
