Bayern Munich face yet another injury setback after Hiroki Ito appeared to re-aggravate a previous issue during their 3-2 home win over St. Pauli on Saturday.

The Japanese defender entered the match in the 58th minute, replacing Raphaël Guerreiro, but was forced to leave the pitch just 30 minutes later due to a foot injury.

Bayern Confirm Ito’s Injury Relapse

Both sporting director Christoph Freund and head coach Vincent Kompany confirmed that Ito had re-injured the same foot that had kept him sidelined for much of the season.

The 25-year-old was signed from VfB Stuttgart in the summer for €23.5 million but has struggled with injuries since his arrival. He only made his debut for Bayern last month and has since managed just eight appearances, with only three league starts.

At no point has the 21-time Japan international completed a full 90 minutes for his new club.

Speaking after the match, Freund expressed concern over Ito’s condition, telling Sky Germany:

“It’s his foot. It’s tough. The lad is in a lot of pain.”

Kompany also acknowledged the setback, stating:

“He felt the same foot that he had problems with this season. It’s not great for us. He’ll be examined. It’s too early for a definitive statement.”

With Bayern already dealing with multiple injuries, the club now faces an anxious wait for a more precise diagnosis on Ito’s condition.

Incoming sporting director Hugo Viana is looking to make an immediate impact at Manchester City and is reportedly keen on bringing a key reinforcement from his former club, Sporting CP.

Viana Plans First Sporting Raid for Man City

With his first transfer window approaching, Viana has a major challenge ahead in reshaping City’s squad.

While the Etihad club already began their rebuild in January, more changes are expected as Pep Guardiola’s side looks to recover from a disappointing campaign.

Currently sitting as low as fifth in the Premier League, City may still secure a Champions League spot.

However, their struggles this season have raised concerns, as they have never finished outside the top four under Guardiola.

With big changes expected, the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Ederson, and Bernardo Silva could be on their way out, making room for fresh additions.

One of those reinforcements could come from Sporting, with Viana targeting a move for a highly-rated defender.

According to The Boot Room, Viana wants to sign Ousmane Diomande, a player admired by Etihad decision-makers.

The centre-back has a release clause of £67m, but he could be available for a discounted price of £50m this summer.

Viana, having strong connections with Sporting, could use his ties to bring Diomande to Manchester City, despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, and Chelsea.

If the transfer goes through, it would mark another step in City’s defensive rebuild.

“Complete” Diomande Could Form a Strong Partnership with Khusanov

With injuries troubling Nathan Aké, Rúben Dias, John Stones, and Manuel Akanji this season, City have struggled for consistency at the back.

However, January signing Abdukodir Khusanov has emerged as a promising option, overcoming a tough debut to cement his place in the team.

If Diomande joins, he could form a dominant defensive partnership with Khusanov, securing City’s backline for years to come.

Praised by football talent scout Jacek Kulig last year as having an “incredibly complete” profile, Diomande has continued to shine at Sporting.

At just 21 years old, the Ivory Coast defender could join Khusanov, Juma Bah, and Vitor Reis to form a new generation of centre-backs at Manchester City.

From an ageing defence, Guardiola could soon have a squad filled with young defensive talents. And if there are concerns about Diomande’s readiness, Khusanov’s recent breakthrough should serve as proof that City’s young stars can step up.

As Kobbie Mainoo’s contract negotiations continue to stall, Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on signing a young midfielder who has displayed more creativity than their academy graduate.

Man Utd Eyeing Midfield Reinforcement

The Red Devils face a crucial summer as they look to significantly improve under Ruben Amorim.

With a mid-table finish looming in the Premier League, the question remains whether INEOS will provide the funds needed for a squad rebuild.

Despite financial uncertainties, transfer speculation continues. Matheus Cunha and Chris Rigg have been among the names linked with a move to Old Trafford this week.

Cunha, in particular, could provide Amorim with a much-needed attacking boost, addressing the issues of an inconsistent frontline led by Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

Meanwhile, Chris Rigg, one of English football’s brightest young talents, has emerged as a potential signing.

The 17-year-old Sunderland midfielder could be on his way to Manchester United at the same time that uncertainty surrounds Mainoo’s future.

Mainoo’s Future in Doubt, United Look for a Replacement

Mainoo is yet to sign a new contract, and previous reports have suggested that he may consider a move abroad.

This has prompted United to explore potential Champions League-level replacements.

According to Calcio Mercato, Manchester United are now preparing a move for Ardon Jashari, with Club Brugge valuing the 22-year-old at around €35m (£29m) this summer.

However, United will face stiff competition for Jashari’s signature, with Juventus, Atalanta, AC Milan, and AS Roma all showing interest.

Nevertheless, reports indicate that United are ready to “go on the attack” to secure his signing.

Jashari has been impressive this season, particularly in the Champions League, where he performed well against teams like Aston Villa and Juventus.

With a transfer battle intensifying, the midfielder may soon have a big decision to make.

“Great” Jashari Offers More Creativity Than Mainoo

Both Mainoo and Jashari operate in deeper midfield roles, but Jashari has proven to be more influential in attack.

The 22-year-old has contributed to nine goals this season—scoring three and assisting six—despite playing in a deeper position. In contrast, Mainoo, who has faced injury struggles, has managed just one goal and one assist.

With Zirkzee and Højlund struggling for consistency in front of goal, United would certainly benefit from more attacking contributions in midfield alongside Bruno Fernandes.

Praised for his “great technical ability” by analyst Ben Mattinson before making the move to Club Brugge, Jashari has continued to develop and now looks set for a big transfer this summer.