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| Vincent Kompany has agreed verbally to take over at Bayern Munich, relegation got nothing on the big Belgian. (Photo credit: Sky Sports) |
The European football league season is winding down, with Atalanta winning the Europa League on Wednesday and the Champions League final coming up next weekend.
The transfer market is buzzing, with bizarre news here and there, especially with Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona running circles to replace their managers. Let’s look at trending topics in the transfer market, which doesn’t open officially until mid-June.
Bayern Munich to hire Kompany.
This must be weird to hear, but it’s more likely to happen than not, as the Bayern Munich hierarchy is in advanced talks with Burnley manager Vincent Kompany as the replacement for Thomas Tuchel.
The German manager failed to land the league title as the Bavarians went a whole season without a single trophy for the first time in over a decade. Bayern Munich is poised to appoint Kompany as their new manager, following the rejection of Oliver Glasner, Xabi Alonso, and numerous other managers.
Xavi is leaving Barca; will Flick replace him?
It’s raining confusion in Barcelona. Earlier in the year, Xavi Hernandes announced his intention to leave the club at the end of the season, but he later changed his mind after meeting with Juan Laporta and other top players. However, after a financial disagreement with them again, Xavi is on the verge of termination.
Hansi Flick has met with Laporta, expressing his interest in the job and being the favorite to secure it. However, what are the issues with the Catalan giants? They went from begging Xavi to stay to finding a replacement for him. Will they compete with Real Madrid next season?
Should Manchester United and Chelsea switch coaches?
Close sources confirm that a win in the FA Cup final will not save Erik Ten Hag's job at Manchester United.
With Roberto Di Zerbi out of his Brighton job, Manchester United is interested in hiring Mauricio Pochettino, who has left his role at Chelsea. Will Di Zerbi join Chelsea? Is anyone considering a move to Brighton for Ten Hag? Interesting times ahead.
Olivier Giroud will leave Le Bleus after the Euros.
Former Arsenal, Chelsea, and AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud has announced he will retire from the French national team after the upcoming Euros.
After the German playmaker announced he would quit football altogether after the Euros, Giroud joins Toni Kroos in retirement. We expect Giroud to join MLS side LAFC next season. “It’s time for me to cede my place in the national team to younger guys,” said Giroud.
Claudio Ranieri retires from club football.
Former Chelsea, Leicester City, and Sampdoria head coach Claudio Ranieri has retired from club football at the age of 72 after guiding Cagliari to Serie A safety.
Cagliari was on the brink of relegation before hiring the Italian veteran; he got them over the line and signed off with a 2-2 draw against Fiorentina on Thursday. He is open to national team management, but he will no longer accept club roles.