FC Bayern Reportedly Eyeing World Cup Star Charles De Ketelaere
Munich, Bavaria, Germany, July 23 – FC Bayern Munich is reportedly showing interest in Charles De Ketelaere, the forward who managed to score the only goal against World Cup champions Spain at the 2026 World Cup. This news comes amidst other developments for the Bavarian club, including the extension of a young talent’s contract and the club president’s endorsement of Jürgen Klopp as the new national team coach.
De Ketelaere: A €50 Million Target?
According to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, FC Bayern is allegedly considering a move for Charles De Ketelaere. The report, however, does not provide concrete details regarding the German record champion’s pursuit of the Atalanta Bergamo offensive player. It also mentions that Paris Saint-Germain is monitoring De Ketelaere as an alternative should they fail to secure Maghnes Akliouche from AS Monaco. Several Premier League clubs are also reportedly inquiring about the player.
The speculated price tag for De Ketelaere is a hefty 50 million euros, which makes a concrete bid from Bayern less probable. This is especially true given that Bayern has already acquired a similar player profile this summer in Ismael Saibari, who joined from PSV Eindhoven for 50 million euros. Both Saibari and De Ketelaere are versatile offensive players, capable of playing on both wings, as a number ten, or as a central striker. It is therefore doubtful that Bayern would sign another such player for such a significant amount after securing Saibari.
However, De Ketelaere’s name has been linked with Bayern before. In May, renowned journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported a concrete interest from FCB in the 25-year-old, whose contract with Atalanta runs until 2028. Following the collapse of midfielder Ederson’s transfer to Manchester United, De Ketelaere is reportedly a candidate for sale at Atalanta, with the Italian club looking to recoup funds through another high-profile player.
De Ketelaere recently showcased his abilities at the World Cup. With Belgium, he reached the quarterfinals, where he scored the equalizer in a 1-2 loss against eventual champions Spain, making him the only player to score against the Iberians during the tournament in North America. Prior to this, De Ketelaere contributed two goals and one assist in Belgium’s 4-1 victory over co-hosts USA in the round of 16.
Hainer Endorses Klopp for National Team Coach
Herbert Hainer, FC Bayern’s president, has become the first club representative to comment on the potential appointment of Jürgen Klopp as the new national team coach, expressing his full support for the expected engagement. “We need motivation, a new beginning, and a good atmosphere now. We have good footballers, and everything needs to be organized. And I believe Jürgen Klopp is absolutely the right person,” Hainer stated on Wednesday in Munich.
Hainer described Klopp as “a charismatic leader on all levels: players, staff, fans. He can do it,” adding, “He can win people over. He can win people over for his ideas. He can inspire them and the team so much that they go onto the pitch giving more than 100 percent.” Therefore, Hainer believes Klopp is “a good solution” for the prestigious role.
Hainer noted that after three consecutive World Cup failures, a “pall” had fallen over the German national team. “And if Jürgen Klopp can do one thing, it’s to create a sense of optimism – he has proven that at all his clubs, from Mainz to Dortmund to Liverpool. He was very successful everywhere. He took the fans with him. He took the players with him. He took the whole club with him. That will also benefit the DFB.”
As a football fan, Hainer admitted it “pains him to see Germany eliminated in the round of 16 or, as in the two previous World Cups, in the group stage. We are the world’s largest football association, have often been world champions, and have seen great games. We, as fans, would like to see that again.” With Klopp.
Midfield Talent Erblin Osmani Extends Contract Long-Term
FC Bayern Munich has secured the services of midfield talent Erblin Osmani. The German record champion announced on Wednesday that the 17-year-old has extended his contract prematurely on a long-term basis. The new contract, which will automatically convert into a professional player contract upon Osmani’s 18th birthday in May 2027, is reportedly valid until 2029.
“Erblin is a native of Munich and a true FC Bayern academy product. He has already made his debut with our professionals, and we are convinced of his further development potential. We are delighted that Erblin will continue his journey with us,” emphasized Jochen Sauer, Director of Youth Development at FCB.
The central midfielder joined Bayern’s youth academy as an eight-year-old in 2017 and made his Bundesliga debut in March at the age of 16 during a brief appearance against Union Berlin (4-0). Last season, he played 16 games for Bayern’s U17 team (six goals, seven assists) and also featured twice for the U19s, where he is currently planned to play.
FC Bayern’s Summer Schedule After the 2026 World Cup
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 20, 2026 | Professional Team Training Start |
| July 25, 2026 | Friendly Match against Wehen Wiesbaden |
| July 27 to 30, 2026 | Training Camp at Tegernsee |
| July 30, 2026 | Friendly Match against Rottach-Egern |
| August 1 to 8, 2026 | Audi Summer Tour in South Korea |
| August 15, 2026 | Telekom Cup against RB Leipzig |
The club is preparing for a busy pre-season following the World Cup, with a mix of training, friendly matches, and an international tour to South Korea, aiming to get the squad in top shape for the upcoming season.
Source: https://www.spox.com/fussball/news/fc-bayern-muenchen-news-und-geruechte-er-aergerte-den-weltmeister-fcb-denkt-angeblich-ueber-50-millionen-euro-stuermer-nach/blt73b16ef1ed267e3a
