As recently as the end of June, Coman had made it clear he had no intentions on seeking a move away from Germany, once declaring: “I want to stay at Bayern.” Nevertheless, just a matter of weeks later, he was packing his bags and leaving the German champions to join Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.

Even now – two months into this new chapter of his career – Coman admits he could have easily imagined staying in Munich. “By the end of the transfer, there were certain things – I won’t get into details – that made everything more complicated. It wasn’t that I was forced out, but the club made it clear that, financially, they were open to me leaving.”

Incidentally, Bayern’s board member for sport, Max Eberl, had already floated the idea of selling him a year earlier – a move which Coman had refused at the time. However, this summer it was different – he said he still felt “the love of the coach, the fans, and some board members,” but not from everyone. “There was a part of the club that wanted to see me go, and that really weighed on me,” the 29-year-old admitted.

Coman joined Bayern from Juventus in 2015, going on to win nine Bundesliga titles and score the winning goal in the 2020 Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. Over the course of 330 appearances in all competitions, the winger scored 72 goals and provided 71 assists – not bad for a player who also had to battle several repeated injuries throughout his Bayern career.

Despite his mixed feelings surrounding his departure, Coman insisted there was no bad blood between him and his former club, declaring: “I’ll come back one day to say goodbye properly. I spent nearly ten years there and the club still means a lot to me.”

Coman has enjoyed a strong start to life as an Al-Nassr player, claiming two goals and four assists in his opening four league games. Such performances have seen him make a return to the French national squad for the October internationals, after having missed out on playing the Nations League’s final stages earlier in the year.

Having received the call-up from France coach Didier Deschamps, Coman insists the move hasn’t changed his level: “Twenty minutes per game at Bayern or playing every week here – which is better?” he asked rhetorically.

“I’m the same player I was in Munich. I’m not going to suddenly lose my quality. Al-Nassr has a great team – we’d hold our own in Europe. And here, I get to play regularly. At Bayern, when you only play every other game, your influence fades.”

GGFN | Sam Carey

Whilst Stuttgart haven’t yet provided an official timeframe for the Bosnian striker’s recovery -simply announcing that he will be out ‘until further notice’ – kicker reports that it may take up to eight weeks before Demirović is back to match fitness again.

This injury will be a blow for Stuttgart, for whom the win over Heidenheim marked their third consecutive Bundesliga victory, which saw them climb into fourth place in the table. These results are due in part to Demirović’s performances, who leads the side’s goalscoring charts having netted three times in the league.

Their top scorer joins a steadily-growing injury list which already includes Deniz Undav, Finn Jeltsch, and Noah Darvich, among others.

Whilst there had been hope that Undav would be able to make his comeback from the knee injury he sustained in Stuttgart’s 1-0 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach on Matchday 2, there’s no guarantee that the German international will be ready and available for the Bundesliga’s resumption on 18 October, when Stuttgart travel to Wolfsburg.

As such, the club must prepare for the eventuality of being without either of their star strikers.Speaking on the recent addition of Demirović to Stuttgart’s injury list, sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth outlined the club’s strategy, announcing:

“What will be critical to our success is how we respond to the current situation. Until Deniz and Ermedin return to the team, we’ll have to spread the workload across several shoulders. We’ll need to rely on improvisation and creative solutions – something we’ve successfully managed in the past as well.”

GGFN | Sam Carey

Such conjecture comes alongside the news that Kane has a release clause in his contract at the Bavarian outfit, which would allow him to leave for £54m in January 2026, with Spurs supposedly understood to have first refusal.

It’s understandable, considering Kane is the second-top all-time Premier League goalscorer, with 213 goals in the English top-flight, however; the striker dampened these rumours with his comments on international duty for England.

Kane admitted candidly: “If you had asked me when I first left to go to Bayern, I would have said for sure I would come back. Now I have been there a couple of years I would probably say that has gone down a little bit, but I wouldn’t say I would never go back.”

Nevertheless, he quickly added: “What I have learnt in my career is that different opportunities and different timings happen and things fall in place. Going back to my first point with Bayern right now I am fully all in with Bayern.”

With two years still left on his contract in Munich, Kane also addressed the possibility of signing a new deal – something which Bayern board member for sport Max Eberl had also discussed at the end of September: “In terms of staying longer [at Bayern], I could definitely see that. I spoke openly a couple of weeks ago that I have not had those conversations with Bayern yet, but if they were to arise I would be willing to talk and have an honest conversation.

“Obviously it depends on how the next year or so goes and what we achieve together. Right now, I would say we are in a fantastic moment and I am not thinking about anything else.

“If it happens, it happens. I don’t think there is any need to rush anything on both parts. Obviously, we are only two months into the season. If there is going to be an extension, it has to work for everyone and it has to have a clear vision on where we see the club.”

Aware that he has plenty of time to decide on his future, the England captain was quick to affirm that he is enjoying his time in Germany, declaring: “Personally, I don’t want to rush into anything. The conversation I am sure will be one we have and then we will go from there.

“I am extremely happy there, my wife and kids are happy to stay and as you get older that’s a big part of any decision you make.

“But, as always, you never know what is around the corner. I am not going to put my eggs in any basket. I am going to enjoy what I am doing and right now that is at Bayern Munich, definitely for this season and probably next season that is going to be the way.”

GGFN | Sam Carey

Thursday’s clash with Galatasaray on Matchday 1 of the 2025/26 Champions League campaign marks only the second time the Eagles have played in Europe’s elite club competition, having not done so since 2022/23 after winning the UEFA Europa League the season prior under then-manager Oliver Glasner.

Toppmöller acknowledged the significance of the occasion in his press conference, telling official club sources: “It feels extraordinary to play in the Champions League with Eintracht – and that’s exactly what it is. The message I want to give the boys is this: enjoy our place in the competition that we earned last season. But of course, we aim to pick up points and win games.”

Recognising the importance this fixture will have for the Eintracht home fans, who will be welcoming Champions League football back to Deutsche Bank Park, the Frankfurt manager added:

“The atmosphere in our stadium is always fantastic. We know about the special nature of European nights – it’s an entirely different affair under the floodlights. Generally, this is nothing new for us; we always look forward to playing in our wonderful stadium. Playing at home is definitely an advantage for us.”

Turning his attention towards opponents Galatasaray, Toppmöller cut a focused figure, declaring: “The most important message is to go into the match against Galatasaray with great anticipation – with focus and hunger. If we approach every game like that, with a little bit of luck and the fans behind us, then anything is possible in every match. Playing in the Champions League is something special, and we want to make Thursday a special day – ideally with a home win. Galatasaray will have eleven top players on the pitch, but so will we.”

GGFN | Sam Carey

Speaking on Wednesday, the 2014 World Cup winner had this to say concerning his departure from the national team: “First of all, I wasn’t asked [to leave]. It was a conscious decision on my part that I would no longer be involved with the national team and that I retired. As such, [returning] is not even a consideration for me.”

However, Neuer’s agent Kroth has since fuelled speculation, telling Frankfurter Rundschau: “He is in top shape and performing at the highest level. If Julian Nagelsmann sees a problem in that position; if Manuel is fit and were asked – then Manu certainly wouldn’t say no.”

Neuer, who was capped 124 times for Germany and kept 51 clean sheets in the process, didn’t completely dismiss a return for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but did cool the speculation, adding: “I had a very successful and wonderful time, and at the moment I’m not thinking at all about whether or how it could happen that Manuel Neuer might return to the national team.”

These comments come in the wake of a rocky international break for Germany, which saw them lose 2-0 on the road in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match to Slovakia – extending their run to three consecutive defeats – before bouncing back in a 3-1 win at home to Northern Ireland; resulting in questions being asked about head coach Nagelsmann’s options between the sticks.

GGFN | Sam Carey

Since his contract with English giants Manchester United expired in the summer, numerous big clubs all over Europe have been in the race for Eriksen’s signature, though none – as of yet – have had any success.

That was until kicker concurred with what Danish outlet Tipsbladet had reported; that a Bundesliga switch to join Wolfsburg was not only on the cards for the Danish international, but also incredibly likely.

Eriksen, who has been at Manchester United since July 2022, enjoyed a solid farewell 2024/25 campaign in England, netting five times and assisting six in 35 appearances across all competitions.

A seasoned international veteran, Eriksen has 144 total caps for Denmark, across which he has scored 46 goals, making him both the most capped player and the third-most prolific goalscorer in the nation’s history.

At Wolfsburg, he will be joining an ever-growing cohort of Danish talent including Jonas Wind, Joakim Mæhle, Jesper Lindstrøm, Adam Daghim, and Andreas Skov Olsen.

Following the appointment of fellow Dane Kasper Hjulmand to the head coach position at Bayer Leverkusen, rumours had emerged linking Eriksen to Die Werkself.

However, it looks as though he will now join a Bundesliga rival instead, with the hopes of getting enough game time to be selected to travel with Denmark to the 2026 FIFA World Cup no doubt a factor. That being said, he was not included in coach Brian Riemer’s squad for the two most recent qualifiers against Scotland (0–0) and in Greece (3–0).

GGFN | Sam Carey

Lindstrøm, who arrived at Wolfsburg back in July on loan from Italian parent club Napoli, is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Wolves, as he continues to work his way back from a groin injury.

However, the Denmark international was handed a half-hour cameo appearance in Wolfsburg’s friendly match against Paderborn on 3 September (1-2). Speaking after the game, Lindstrøm was clearly glad to be back out on the pitch, confessing: “I was glad to finally be able to play a few minutes.”

When asked about his recovery plan, the Dane admitted: “We have to go step by step,” before responding to the question of whether he would be available to play against Köln with: “That’s the goal.”

Elaborating on his roadmap to recovery, Lindstrøm outlined: “Now I have another week to recover from this friendly and to prepare. But for me it was a test to see whether I can play. It went well.” Wolfsburg’s No.19 doesn’t envisage himself in the starting line-up to face Köln, but is motivated to get his first minutes of the season, adding: “I’m ready and I hope I can play a few minutes there.”

Wolfsburg head coach Paul Simonis acknowledged his player’s aims, saying: “I understand his wish.” However, the Dutchman doesn’t want to make Lindstrøm any promises just yet. “We have to see how his body reacts now, then we can judge. But of course, the possibility is there.”

GGFN | Sam Carey

Irvine had been expected to be given some minutes against Kiel, as his return to full fitness draws ever closer. Blessin (52) acknowledged this, revealing: “He would have been fit, but the question is how much playing time we wanted to give him.”

Pauli’s head coach elaborated on what he and the rest of the coaching staff had considered, saying: “The question was whether to give him ten or fifteen minutes, or whether it would be more useful for him to simply do a proper, intense training session with Hauke Wahl and Eric Smith at home.”

Blessin added: “We decided that a sixty- or seventy-minute session in Hamburg would be better than playing ten minutes here. That was the simple reason. Next week he’ll be fully with us, with the team, taking part in every session. And if he takes part in every session, then there’s also the chance that he’ll be in the squad.”

It’s clear that Irvine’s comeback is on the horizon. When asked about whether Irvine would be available for selection for Pauli’s next home game against Augsburg on 14 September, Blessin gave a clear, one-word answer: “Yes.”

GGFN | Sam Carey

An official fee for Fernández is undisclosed, however kicker report the package to be in the region of €30m. The Argentine defensive midfielder will wear the No. 6 shirt, vacated by Odilon Kossounou, now of Atalanta.

Despite his age, Fernández brings considerable experience to the BayArena. At club level, the 23-year-old has 155 competitive appearances in all competitions to his name accumulated during his time in his native Argentina for Boca Juniors and Club Atlético Tigre, as well as for Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking on his side’s 16th signing of the summer transfer window, die Werkself managing director for sport Simon Rolfes was full of praise for the new arrival: “With Ezequiel Fernández, we are getting a very secure passer and strong tackler who, with his power and aggressive style of play, will be of great benefit to us.”

Rolfes added: “In addition to his robustness and physical resilience, he possesses excellent football intelligence – he is clever and composed despite his relative youth. This special combination makes him a very interesting player for us. Ezequiel will increase competition within the squad and greatly enhance our overall quality.”

Fernández too was excited to hit the ground running, announcing: “Now I want to push my career forward in Europe with an internationally highly respected club.”

The Argentine indicated that some of his compatriots already at Leverkusen may have had a hand in his move, adding: “Leverkusen currently have three Argentinians in the squad in Exequiel Palacios, Alejo Sarco, and Claudio Echeverri. They have told me about the club’s culture and the high sporting ambitions here in Leverkusen. I am very confident that together we will achieve significant victories.”

GGFN | Sam Carey

The striker will join Die Roten Bullen from Sporting Lisbon in a deal worth €26m. It’s a statement acquisition for Ole Werner’s side, who have reportedly beaten competition from English giants Chelsea and Italian outfit AC Milan for the Danish international’s signature.

Harder (20) recorded a very respectable 11 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions for Sporting last season, which is more impressive when considering he was largely playing second fiddle to Viktor Gyökeres for large parts of the campaign.

The Dane joins Rômulo as the second high-profile striker arriving at the Red Bull Arena. The pair are expected to form a new-look attack for Leipzig, after Benjamin Šeško left to join Manchester United on a permanent transfer earlier in the window, and with Loïs Openda bound for Juventus on a loan deal.  

GGFN | Sam Carey