Today we take a look at the Bundesliga teams. Well we have concentrated on 7 of the top teams, where most of the important transfers will be happening.
To clarify a few things before going into the team by team situation, if we do not mention a player here, does not mean that it is not going to happen, it means that we may have heard it as a rumour or not heard it at all.
On the other hand, unless we classify here a player as signed already, the players we mention here are those who we know for a fact, that the clubs involved have registered an interest for, which does not mean that they are going to happen. For example if a club are looking for a goalkeeper, they may be negotiating with 3 or 4, of which they will only sign 1, but same applies to other positions.
We don’t work with rumours, not because they are bad or anything like that, only that if we were to chase all the rumours we hear, we would be working on this subject forever.
We will work in no particular order, trying to explain what players are targets and what we know about it.
Borussia Dortmund:
This traditional German club, has been doing really well lately. A few seasons ago, they put all their chips on youth development and on buying younger players, and it is now paying off.
After lots of speculation they have managed to convince Mario Gotze, one of their biggest assets, to stay with them.
There was interest and even negotiations with top clubs, but the player has always repeated how happy he is at the club, and ended up signing a new contract with Borussia Dortmund.
His love for the club, his appreciation of the set up and the recruitment of one of his best friends, helped making the decision.
The club has also offered Kagawa a new deal, but it is still to be signed by the player.
Marco Reus: The club wanted to show ambition and show Gotze that they really wanted him to stay. So they went out early on and signed his best friend and fellow German International from Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Edin Dzeko: The Manchester City striker has become a target for many top European clubs, and Borussia Dortmund is one of them. There will be competition for the Bosnian international, who could be a good addition to any club if he recovers his old form.
Granit Xhaka: One of the most wanted players in Europe at the moment. His club Basel are getting enquiries and offers from every country in the continent. In favour of Dortmund is their youthful and talented starting XI, which shows that if you are good enough, you are old enough to play for them.
Bayern Munich:
As one of the biggest and most important clubs in the world, Bayern always get linked with countless names.
We have done a list of the ones that definitely are on their files. They have offered Robben a new lucrative deal, which the Dutch player (who is not enjoying his football in Germany) is considering at the moment.
They have already signed the immensely talented Swiss international Shaqiri.
Berbatov: With EPL clubs interested in Olic, Bayern have enquired about the availability of the Bulgarian. Now that Gotze is a no go for Manchester United (they were going to use Berbatov as part of the deal), Bayern are back on pole position for the striker.
Junior Hoilett : The Blackburn player is near the top of the list for the Bavarian club. He could get more playing time in Germany than at any big club on the EPL, so the idea is very attractive for the young Canadian.
Olivier Giroud: The Montpellier striker has been watched by Bayern several occasions this season, and he is another one that had the green light from the observers to replace Olic.
Dede: In Italy they are nearly sure the Brazilian will end up in a Serie A club, But Bayern have made contact with his club and are not intimidated by the interest the defender has attracted.
Dries Mertens: The PSV winger has been followed by Liverpool, but he has made it clear that Bayern would be his most desired club to play for when he leaves his current club.
Adriano: The Barcelona left back, is one of the priorities for the Bavarian club, and Juve could be their only obstacle.
Nicolas Gaitan: Benfica must be wondering how much will the highest bidder offer for the Argentinean player. Interest has arrived from Italy, England and also Germany now.
Hernanes: The Lazio player is a typical Bayern player, so he will suit their style, their tradition. He would be a “treat” more than a necessity.
Claudio Pizarro: The Peruvian striker is very keen to switch to Bayern, and has held talks with them already. His current club, Hamburg will put a fight, but if Bayern wants him, they will get him.
Nuri Sahin: Nearly unused at Real Madrid, and with Mourinho frustrated by his lack of progress, many clubs have been alerted about the chance of signing a talented player, who can improve any team.
Dante: The Gladbach defender has denied publicly any interest from Bayern, but the German giants have confirmed it. Manchester United have scouted the Brazilian as well.
Schalke 04
There are many players here that said that they wanted to leave, but have now either changed their mind or are considering staying a little bit longer.
Amongst those are Raul and Farfan.
Both were earmarked to leave, but now things may have changed.
Holtby will be moving to Arsenal at the end of the season.
Lukas Podolski: The striker, who contrary to reports has not signed with Arsenal just yet (we think he will soon), has been offered twice what he is earning at Koln in order to join Schalke.
Didier Drogba: The Ivorian has become a target to replace Raul, if the Spaniard eventually does leave. The Chelsea striker would arrive free, but he has a huge offer from China. If Schalke makes it to the Champions League next season, it could become a very tempting option indeed.
Lucas Ocampos: The highly rated Argentinean winger, who is currently playing for River Plate is on file for Schalke, but his release clause could be an issue, as his club want €16m and Barcelona (had a €12m offer rejected already) and Roma have not been scared by the price tag.
Others
Borussia Mönchengladbach. Anderson who is on loan to Eintracht Frankfurt will return, and will be welcomed.
Bayer Leverkusen: They have paid €5m for Nuremberg Centre back Philipp Wollscheid.