Konrad Laimer of Bayern Muenchen looks on during the Bundesliga match between VfL Wolfsburg and FC Bayern München at Volkswagen Arena on May 9, 2026 in Wolfsburg, Germany. (Photo by Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images) | DeFodi Images via Getty Images” />
Bayern Munich are digging in their heels on Konrad Laimer’s contract demands, according to Sport Bild’s Christian Falk. The Austrian midfielder’s wage expectations have created a stalemate, as the club refuses to meet his reported request for over €15 million gross per year. Uli Hoeneß, the influential supervisory board member, has made it clear that Laimer must not overestimate his value, stating that he’s “not Diego Maradona” and that such a high salary is unjustified given his limited role in Bayern’s Champions League successes. Bayern’s reasoning is pragmatic: even if Laimer leaves on a free transfer in 2027 when his contract expires, it won’t be a major loss since he joined from RB Leipzig on a free. The club has already spent significantly on renewals for Musiala, Davies, and Joshua Kimmich, so Laimer’s demand for more than €15 million is a non-starter. Negotiations appear to be ongoing, but a breakthrough seems unlikely.
In other news, history was made by Marie Louise Eta, who guided Union Berlin to a 3-1 victory over Mainz 05. This marked the first win for a female coach in one of Europe’s top five leagues, per transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. The milestone underscores a growing trend of diversity in football management.
Meanwhile, rumors that Tornike Kvaratskhelia, younger brother of Paris Saint-Germain star Khvicha, visited Munich for talks with Bayern officials have been dismissed. Christian Falk confirmed that no such meeting took place and that there has been no contact between the club and the younger Kvaratskhelia. The source of the rumor remains unclear, but all parties involved deny any discussions.
Bayern Munich had a strong showing in the Bundesliga Team of the Week for Match Day 33, with Jonas Urbig, Tom Bischof, Michael Olise, and Arijon Ibrahimović (on loan at Heidenheim) all earning spots on WhoScored.com’s selection. Additionally, Transfermarkt highlighted Olise, Urbig, and Ibrahimović for their performances, reflecting the club’s promising youth development.
Finally, Xabi Alonso, recently sacked by Real Madrid, has emerged as a potential candidate for Chelsea’s managerial vacancy. Positive initial talks took place this week between