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Bischof’s World Cup dreams might be over (Bild)
Just last summer Tom Bischof was considered to be a legitimate contender for a World Cup roster spot with Germany.
Things were looking up, Bischof was headed to Bayern Munich, and things looked like they would fall into place…until they didn’t.
Bischof has a limited role on the squad these days under Vincent Kompany and has rarely played in his natural position within the central midfield. Now, Bischof’s World Cup dream could be over:
Will he miss the World Cup because Bayern have too many fit players? Last summer, Tom Bischof (20) moved from Hoffenheim to Munich as a promising talent on a free transfer. After a strong season at TSG Hoffenheim, he even joined the national team as a newly minted international, making his debut for the German national team in the Nations League against France in June 2025. His dream, of course, is to really take off at Bayern Munich and then be part of the squad for the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico (June 11 to July 19).
Bischof is currently quite far from that: While he regularly received plenty of playing time in the first half of the season, his appearances in the second half have become increasingly brief. The midfielder has not been in the starting eleven for the last five league matches. He was substituted on three times for 10 to 15 minutes, and twice he was left out entirely without playing – the same as in the DFB-Pokal quarterfinal against Leipzig (2-0).
So what are the reasons for Bischof’s first slump? Simply put: too many players and too few games! Last year, several players, especially in defense, were repeatedly unavailable, which is why Bischof was allowed to play at left-back.
Bischof must have known that making the World Cup squad would be difficult after his move to Bayern Munich – because Joshua Kimmich (31), Aleksandar Pavlovic (21), and Leon Goretzka (31) are three of Germany’s defensive midfielders who are direct competitors at his club. That’s why he was called up to the German U21 team (as captain!) in the autumn. Bischof’s versatility had briefly given him hope of being nominated by national coach Julian Nagelsmann (38). However, it’s now clear: as a benchwarmer, his World Cup dream is definitely over.
Bischof has shown glimpses of his talent with Bayern Munich, but not playing in the central midfield makes it tough to assess exactly where he is as a player at this stage. It seems like the move to Bayern Munich might have backfired in the short-term for Bischof, but he — and fans — still have hope for the future.
Van de Ven out at Tottenham? (ESPN)
Tottenham Hotspur center-back Micky van de Ven has had a very solid season so far and that has put him on the radar of Liverpool, Manchester United, and Real Madrid:
Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven is on the radar of Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid, according to TEAMtalk. It is reported that the 24-year-old is expected to leave Spurs in the summer, regardless of whether they avoid relegation, and the Red Devils are the latest club to join the race to sign him. TEAMtalk also reports that the Premier League side isn’t close to reaching an agreement over a new contract with Van de Ven, whose deal expires in 2029, and the Netherlands international is now weighing up his options.
If Bayern Munich was in the market for an established center-back, this writer would absolutely endorse Van de Ven, but a pursuit of the Dutchman might be too rich for Bayern Munich’s blood given the presence of Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah.
Demichelis to land at Mallorca? (Football Espana)
Former Bayern Munich campus coach Martin Demichelis could be close to landing the coaching job at RCD Mallorca:
RCD Mallorca are closing in on their replacement for Jagoba Arrasate, who left the club earlier this week. It seems they will turn to former Bayern Munich and Malaga defender Martin Demichelis to guide them to safety in the relegation battle.
The latest reporting from the island is that Demichelis will take over from Arrasate. Marca had reported that they were in advanced talks with the former Argentina international, for a deal that would see Demichelis in charge until the end of the season. Cesar Luis Merlo has now reported that it is a done deal between Mallorca and Demichelis, who are finalising the economic details of their contract. Javier Aguirre’s Mexico assistant Toni Amor was also in the running, but Demichelis appears to have come through the casting process as their preferred choice.
Barca could make play for Marmoush (ESPN)
FC Barcelona could make a move for Manchester City attacker Omar Marmoush:
Barcelona are interested in signing Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush, according to Sport. Marmoush, 27, has reportedly been identified as a potential alternative to Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez, and they see him as a strong fit for manager Hansi Flick’s system, while there is optimism that he could be signed for less than €75 million in the summer. Sport also reports that the Blaugrana have informed the representatives of 31-year-old wing back João Cancelo of their desire to sign him on a permanent deal next season. The Portugal international is currently on loan from Al Hilal, but while there is no option clause included in the deal, talks are expected to take place over a fee, with the LaLiga club impressed with his performances since he joined in January.
Marmoush got paid when he arrived at City from Eintracht Frankfurt, but the rest of his career has not exactly gone as planned since making the move.
Max to…Gamba Osaka? (Transfermarkt)
At one point, Philipp Max was considered to be one of the top left-backs in Germany. Now, the 32-year-old could be looking to hang on to the final years of his career in Japan:
Things haven’t gone smoothly for Philipp Max since leaving the Bundesliga . The 32-year-old left-back spent a year and a half at Panathinaikos Athens, but failed to establish himself there. His contract was terminated prematurely in January, and as a free agent, he will likely move to Japan.
According to the Japanese newspaper “Sponchi,” Max is close to signing with Gamba Osaka . The club has had German coach Jens Wissing on the payroll since this year, and other positions, such as that of strategic advisor ( Jörn-Erik Wolf ), are also held by Germans. Max is expected to become the first German player in the club’s history; the signing is reportedly expected shortly.
De Jong out for six weeks (ESPN FC)
FC Barcelona just took a big hit as Frenkie de Jong will be out for up to six weeks:
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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