While other big clubs twiddle their thumbs, Bayern Munich is getting deals done. They’ve agreed to sign Lyon star Corentin Tolisso, subject to a medical. He’s their fourth signing of the summer.
Bayern Munich makes Corentin Tolisso their 4th signing while other big clubs twiddle their thumbs
The Bavarians are getting their business done early.
Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images
Bayern had already wrapped up the signings of defensive midfielder Sebastian Rudy and center back Niklas Süle from Hoffenheim during the spring. They’ve also secured winger Serge Gnabry from Werder Bremen. And Tolisso -- who can play in the center of midfield or at right back -- looks like the best signing yet.
Tolisso will cost nearly €40 million, making him one of the most expensive signings in Bayern’s history. He’s a necessary reinforcement after the retirements of Philipp Lahm and Xabi Alonso, but just because he can play in the positions of those players doesn’t mean he’s a like-for-like replacement. He scored 14 goals for Lyon last season, so he might occupy a box-to-box role while Arturo Vidal or Thiago Alcantara takes up a deeper spot on the pitch.
The likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG and England’s big clubs have hardly gotten started on their summer business. But Bayern looks like they’ll have their squad settled before training camp starts.
Goal of the day
Ousmane Dembele’s winner for France vs. England. (r/soccer)
In the news
Cristiano Ronaldo has been accused of tax fraud. (Managing Madrid)
The Premier League schedule is out! The first big game of the year will be in week two, when Tottenham hosts Chelsea at Wembley. (BBC)
Claudio Ranieri has been hired by Ligue 1 club Nantes. (Guardian)
RB Leipzig has signed Portuguese winger Bruma from Galatasaray. (@RBLeipzig_EN)
But RBL got some bad news on Wednesday too. Midfielder Diego Demme has been withdrawn from the Germany squad with an injury. (Bundesliga)
Roma had a busy Tuesday. First, Eusebio Di Francesco was announced as their new manager. (Chiesa di Totti)
Then, they announced the signing of center back Hector Moreno. (Chiesa di Totti)
You should be reading
Jack Fildew on the time there were four Clásicos in 18 days. (In Bed With Maradona)
Ted Knutson on why passing percentages are mostly useless. (Stats Bomb)
Edgar Faroh on Venezuela’s Under-20 national team and their prospects for future success. (Eat Sleep Drink Football)
Fun with transfer rumors
Kylian Mbappe says Real Madrid has been trying to sign him since he was 14. (AS)
Everton is in talks to sign Jordan Pickford from Sunderland and could pay as much as £30 million. (Guardian)
Victor Lindelof showed up at Manchester United for his medical on Wednesday. (MEN)
West Ham would like to sign Olivier Giroud from Arsenal. (Standard)
Spurs are going to sell Kyle Walker to Manchester City, and would like to replace him with Ricardo Pereira. (Mirror)
Juventus is interested in Santiago Ascacibar, dubbed “the new Mascherano.” (Football Italia)
Leicester looks likely to sign Harry Maguire from Hull for £17 million. (BBC)
What happened on Tuesday
Catch up on CONCACAF’s World Cup qualifiers here. (CONCACAF)
The US Open Cup games on Tuesday were fun, and featured a liquor store team scoring on DC United. (MLS)
England got outplayed by France, and the video assistant referee caught some criticism. (Guardian)
