Transfers

Bayern Munich sign Israeli goalkeeper Daniel Peretz

After a long search for a new goalkeeper, Bayern Munich have settled on Daniel Peretz of Israel’s U21 squad. Initially he’s expected to be Sven Ulreich’s understudy – until Manuel Neuer returns.

The list of names that have been bandied about this summer as possible replacements for Bayern Munich No. 1 and captain Manuel Neuer is long: David de Gea, who most recently played for Manchester United, Kepa Arrizabalaga of Chelsea, Morocco’s national goalkeeper Yassine Bounou of Sevilla – to name but three.

The job description was as follows: Someone capable of stepping in as a temporary No. 1 – but who wouldn’t kick up much of a fuss when relegated to the bench whenever the real No. 1 returns to action. The 37-year-old Neuer is still in rehabilitation training to recover from the broken leg he suffered on a skiing trip during last season’s winter break.

This search for a No. “1b” ended in failure, in part because clubs from Saudi Arabia pay better than Bayern. In Kepa’s case, a timely opening came up a Real Madrid due to injury.

Therefore, Bayern changed their strategy and believe they have found what they were looking for in 23-year-old Maccabi Tel Aviv goalkeeper Daniel Peretz. Still, he won’t be the temporary starter Bayern were originally looking for. Instead, he is to start his life in Bavaria as the backup to No. 2 keeper Sven Ulreich.

At the same time, though, Bayern’s management have apparently seen enough in Peretz to pencil him in as a replacement for Neuer – at some time off in the future. After all, they’ve signed him to a five-year contract.

“We wish him every success,” Maccabi club chief Mitchell Goldhar was quoted as saying on the club’s website. “We are sad to see Daniel go, but we are also proud in many ways and wish him and his new club, Bayern Munich, the best of luck in the years to come.”

Peretz’ last time between the sticks for Maccabi came on Thursday in the first leg of their Conference League playoff tie against NK Celje of Slovenia.

Since it hadn’t been clear when the much-anticipated transfer would go through, a teary-eyed Peretz had already said goodbye to the fans a few days ago.

“Since I was five years old, I’ve been at this club,” he said at the airport, with a Maccabi scarf around his neck. “Thanks to you guys, I’ve always felt at home here.”

After his last appearance for the blue and yellow against Celje, he then celebrated once again together with the Maccabi ultras, who gave him a fitting send off.

A selection of entries from X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, indicates that there was little, if any bad blood as Peretz left his former team.

“It doesn’t matter if he will be first, second or fourth goalkeeper,” wrote X user RahamimGuy. “This jump from the Israeli league to freaking FC Bayern is something my mind can’t grasp.”

Still, there are some who are already questioning whether he’s doing himself and his career a favor by moving to the Bayern bench.

“In my eyes: a sexy transfer, but one that won’t do him any good short term, maybe in the far future,” wrote X-User Mxalp3000.

Peretz, who has German as well as Israeli citizenship due to his mother’s heritage, attracted attention with good performances at the U21 Euros. He made numerous saves in the preliminary round match against Germany, including two penalty kicks. In the quarterfinal against hosts Georgia, Peretz made the difference by saving three penalties in a shootout.

“You could say penalties are my thing,” the goalkeeper said afterwards.

In the semifinal against eventual tournament winners England, Peretz was ruled out due to yellow cards. Israel lost 3-0.

Peretz’ possible move to Bayern was such a big topic in Israel this summer, that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu got into the act.

“By the way, we are also looking into delivering Daniel Peretz for the German defense system,” the premier said after a deal was reached for Israel to deliver its Arrow 3 air defense system to Germany.

Transfers

Chelsea Launch Transfer Bid For Bellingham

Chelsea have reportedly made an offer to sign Sunderland’s rising star Jobe Bellingham.

The Blues have made a habit of investing in young talent as part of their long-term strategy, and the midfielder has emerged as a prime target to bolster Enzo Maresca’s midfield options.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who is the younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, had previously shown a preference for a move abroad. However, Chelsea’s fresh offer appears to have altered the situation significantly.

“I left Arsenal because my wife told me she wanted to get out of London – then six months later she told me to go BACK!” – which Arsenal legend instantly regretted leaving?

Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Crystal Palace have all been linked with Bellingham, but Chelsea’s bid could now put them firmly in the driving seat. Sunderland, meanwhile, are hoping to keep hold of their young star, particularly if they achieve promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs.

With Bellingham contracted until 2028, the Championship side holds a strong position in negotiations – while it’s not clear whether he’d be open to a switch to west London.

FootballTransfers previously reported that Sunderland have a gentleman’s agreement in place, allowing Bellingham to leave this summer if a suitable offer arrives, which is believed to be in the region of £20million.

Unlike his brother who is deployed as a No.10 at Los Blancos, the younger Bellingham operates more as a traditional box-to-box midfielder.

Transfers

Arsenal Ready Bid For ‘World-Class’ La Liga Defender

Arsenal are preparing to test Barcelona’s resolve this summer with a bold €60 million move for Jules Kounde, according to reports in Spain.

While the Gunners’ priority remains strengthening their attack, Fichajes claims manager Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his defence too, and Kounde – called “world-class” by scout Jacek Kulig – has emerged as a prime target ahead of the summer transfer window.

Despite Barcelona’s stance that Kounde isn’t actively on the market, Arsenal believe the Catalan giants’ financial situation could force them to consider offers. The Gunners are prepared to offer €60m for the versatile defender, but the likes of Chelsea are reportedly in the race, too.

“I left Arsenal because my wife told me she wanted to get out of London – then six months later she told me to go BACK!” – which Arsenal legend instantly regretted leaving?

Barcelona’s ongoing financial concerns, coupled with the delayed reopening of the Camp Nou, may leave them with little choice but to cash in. The club is said to value Kounde closer to €70m but could still accept Arsenal’s bid if they secure a suitable replacement. Man United were previously linked with a huge €100m move.

Arteta is reportedly drawn to Kounde’s ability to slot in at both right-back and centre-back, with Arsenal already having similar players who can play across the backline.

It’s thought that the Frenchman’s pace, distribution, and experience at the top level are seen as key assets that would enhance the Gunners’ backline.

Transfers

Mikel Arteta Told To Complete ‘No-Brainer’ Transfer To Replace Arsenal Duo

Mikel Arteta has been urged to push ahead with a move for Joshua Kimmich this summer.

Kimmich has emerged as a top target for Arsenal as his contract talks at Bayern Munich continue to stall. The German has established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s top players since arriving at Bayern in 2015.

He has won eight league titles, three DFB-Pokals and the 2020 Champions League. But his contract with Bayern will expire at the end of this season and the German giants are struggling to tie him down to a new deal.

Those roadblocks have seen Arsenal become interested in the 30-year-old. Former Spurs star Michael Dawson has urged the Gunners to push to sign him, singling Kimmich out as the perfect man to replace Thomas Partey and Jorginho.

“I think he’s a very, very good player. He’s done it for a long time in Germany at the age of 30. His contract is coming to an end and it doesn’t look like it’s going to be renewed,” Dawson told Sky Sports.

“The reason Arsenal are probably looking at this is because you go, ‘Is Jorginho going to go? Is Thomas Partey going to go?’, so you need to replace them. And if he’s a free agent then you get the experience, the quality that he possesses and it’s a no-brainer really on that front.

“Kimmich, I can see why they would go for him, of course. The experience and what he could bring if those two players [Jorginho and Partey] do leave Arsenal. You’re bringing in someone who is tried and trusted… no-brainer.”

It has been reported that Bayern recently withdrew their latest offer of a new deal to Kimmich. The German is thought to be pushing for an increase on his current £320,000 per week wage packet.

According to Sky Germany, Arsenal are looking to take advantage of the situation and have already held talks with Kimmich over a move. He is said to interested in hearing what they have to say.

It is understood that has informed Bayern chiefs Max Eberl and Christoph Freund about the offers. Sporting director Eberl remains hopeful an agreement can still be reached with Kimmich over a renewal before the season comes to an end.

“Generally speaking, nobody is above the club,” he told German newspaper Bild. “If a player decides differently, then he decides differently. Things will continue at FC Bayern. We are not at that point with Kimmich.

“I’ve never given updates on negotiations, won’t be doing that now either because that’s inappropriate. We treat each other with big respect – we’re talking. What’s important is how Josh and we as a club treat each other.”