Catch up on the latest developments from FC Bayern Munich, including transfer market movements, player perspectives on former coaches, and pre-match comments ahead of crucial fixtures.
FC Bayern Munich Rumors: Eintracht Frankfurt Pursues Returnee Aseko
Eintracht Frankfurt is reportedly keen on signing midfielder Noel Aseko, who is set to return to FC Bayern Munich this summer from his loan spell at Hannover 96. Frankfurt views the talented midfielder as a potential replacement for Hugo Larsson or Mahmoud Dahoud, whose futures at the ambitious Bundesliga club are uncertain.
FC Bayern activated their buy-back option for the young midfielder in mid-March. Hannover had previously exercised a purchase option for one million euros, before Bayern utilized their pre-agreed clause of 2.5 million euros, resulting in a net transfer of 1.5 million euros from Munich to Hannover.
Aseko is considered a strong candidate to fill the squad spot left by Leon Goretzka, who is expected to leave Munich as a free agent this summer. The 20-year-old’s return could potentially negate the need for an external replacement. Coach Vincent Kompany is also reportedly an admirer of Aseko, whose contract at the Säbener Straße runs until 2028. For Hannover this season, he has made 28 appearances, contributing significantly to their promotion hopes with nine goal involvements (three goals, six assists). However, Aseko’s future at Bayern is reportedly still undecided, leaving Frankfurt in a waiting position.
FC Bayern Munich News: Serge Gnabry Praises Hansi Flick
In a recent interview, FC Bayern Munich’s Serge Gnabry spoke highly of his former coach, Hansi Flick. Gnabry noted Flick’s success in Spain, stating, «He’s getting a lot of sun, which is good. He’s doing a great job at FC Barcelona now. He seems happy there. I wish him all the best.»
Under Flick, Gnabry was part of the Bayern squad that achieved the historic sextuple in 2020. The current Barcelona coach, Gnabry recalled, «led Bayern to one of the best seasons in football history. It was a truly great time, especially given the circumstances with the coronavirus.» He emphasized, «Despite everything happening off the pitch, we were very successful. It was also a kind of new era for football, for FC Bayern.»
Flick took over Bayern on an interim basis in late 2019 after Niko Kovac’s dismissal. In summer 2021, he departed Munich due to ongoing disagreements with then-sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic, taking on the role of Germany national team coach. After two disappointing years, he joined FC Barcelona for the 2024/25 season.
Gnabry also discussed his friendship with David Alaba ahead of Bayern’s Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid. Alaba had moved to Real Madrid as a free agent in 2021 after failed contract negotiations. Gnabry commented on Spain, saying, «I like Spain very much. I’m very good friends with David Alaba. When I visited him and saw the sun shining – this was around October – I told him: ‘My friend, you made a good choice coming here. You did everything right. The sun is shining. You’re sitting shirtless in your garden.'»
However, a reunion on the pitch during the match is unlikely. While Alaba has recovered from a calf injury, he has remained on the bench for the last three full matches. His time in Madrid appears to be drawing to a close, with his contract expiring at the end of the season and unlikely to be extended.
FC Bayern Munich News: Alvaro Arbeloa Warns of ‘Europe’s Most In-Form Team’
Ahead of the Champions League quarter-final first leg, Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa has labeled FC Bayern Munich as the favorites.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Arbeloa stated, «Real Madrid has always risen to the occasion against top teams. Bayern is having an exceptional season, both in terms of results and playing style. We are facing Europe’s most in-form team right now. We know exactly what challenge they will present on the pitch. Our shared history with Bayern is always special. The Bernabeu will experience another great Champions League night.»
His players have been duly warned. «It’s a quarter-final against a club with a great history, and that too in front of a roaring Bernabeu crowd. I think we are all aware of that,» Arbeloa added.
He also had words of praise for FCB coach Vincent Kompany. «They are a very well-coached team, whose identity and playing style are immediately recognizable. They play very aggressively defensively and force all their players to work extremely hard backwards,» he enthused. «With the ball at their feet, they then create chances through very talented players on the wings. I consider them a very complete team with many weapons.» He concluded that the Belgian deserves «every praise» for his «outstanding work.»
The first leg took place on Tuesday in Madrid, with the return leg scheduled eight days later at Munich’s Allianz Arena.
FC Bayern Munich: Upcoming Matches at a Glance
| Date | Time | Fixture |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, April 7 | 9 PM | Real Madrid — FC Bayern (Champions League) |
| Saturday, April 11 | 6:30 PM | FC St. Pauli — FC Bayern (Bundesliga) |
| Wednesday, April 15 | 9 PM | FC Bayern — Real Madrid (Champions League) |