Bayern Munich are preparing for a busy summer as they look to revamp their squad. The club aims to lower the wage bill, reduce the squad’s average age, and bring in fresh talent.

To fund new signings, Bayern are also open to offloading some players, particularly in midfield.

According to SportBild journalists Christian Falk and Tobi Altschaffl (via iMiaSanMia), the

German champions are willing to listen to offers for João Palhinha and Raphaël Guerreiro. Both players could be moved on if suitable bids arrive.

João Palhinha Struggling for Game Time

Palhinha joined Bayern from Fulham last summer in a deal worth over €50 million. His move had initially collapsed in 2023 but was eventually completed in 2024.

Despite high expectations, the Portuguese midfielder has struggled for regular minutes under Vincent Kompany.

With Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic, and Leon Goretzka ahead of him in the pecking order, Palhinha has found it difficult to secure a starting spot.

His situation was further complicated by a red card against VfL Bochum, ruling him out of two league matches.

However, Palhinha has no intention of leaving Bayern just yet. In an interview with SportBild, he expressed his determination to fight for his place and contribute to the team’s success.

Raphaël Guerreiro Also on the Market

Versatile defender Raphaël Guerreiro is another player Bayern are willing to part ways with.

The former Borussia Dortmund star can play both in defense and midfield, but with strong depth in both areas, he may be deemed surplus to requirements.

If the right offer comes in, Bayern are prepared to let him leave.

Despite potentially losing both players, Bayern are not expected to sign direct replacements.

The club has already secured the signing of Tom Bischof from Hoffenheim on a free transfer to strengthen their midfield. Meanwhile, they feel well covered in the full-back positions.

Instead, the funds raised from Palhinha and Guerreiro’s potential departures will likely be used to reinforce the attack.

Argentina’s football squad is gearing up to face Uruguay and Brazil in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, but they’ll be missing their iconic captain, Lionel Messi.

The superstar’s fitness woes have struck again, keeping him out of the lineup for these crucial matches.

Messi’s latest setback came after Inter Miami’s clash with Atlanta United on Sunday. He played the full 90 minutes and even scored, but reports from Argentina say he felt muscle discomfort afterward.

That’s enough to rule him out for the qualifiers, adding to a season already peppered with absences.

This year alone, Messi sat out three Inter Miami games in early March due to a pulled muscle.

He only returned last Thursday, coming off the bench to score in a CONCACAF Champions Cup win. Now, this fresh injury has Argentina playing it safe.

Why Argentina’s Rolling Without Messi

Despite Messi’s absence, Argentina’s not sweating it too much. They’re topping the South American qualifying group with 25 points from 12 games five ahead of second-placed Uruguay.

The top six from CONMEBOL punch their ticket straight to the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada, and the 2022 champs could lock it up in these next two.

They’ll take on Uruguay in Montevideo this Friday, then host Brazil in Buenos Aires on March 25.

Messi’s six goals make him the qualifying round’s leading scorer, so his boots will be missed but Argentina’s depth has them covered.

Elsewhere, Argentina’s also without injured Roma striker Paulo Dybala and River Plate’s Paulo Montiel. Brazil, sitting fifth with 18 points, won’t have Neymar either—he’s nursing a thigh injury.

The squad still looks stacked, though Emiliano Martinez in goal, Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi anchoring the back, and firepower up top with Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez. Messi might be out, but Argentina’s still gunning for that World Cup spot.

Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman is leaving the club after seven years in the role and is expected to take up a position in Saudi Arabia.

The 50-year-old, who previously played for and managed the Eagles, has been instrumental in shaping the club’s recruitment strategy and building a sustainable scouting structure.

Freedman’s Legacy at Crystal Palace

During his tenure, Freedman played a key role in identifying and signing talented players such as Marc Guehi, Adam Wharton, Michael Olise, and Eberechi Eze.

His work has helped establish a strong foundation for the club’s future success. While his next destination hasn’t been officially confirmed, reports suggest he has been offered a role with the Diriyah Company, which owns Saudi second-tier side Al-Diriyah.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish praised Freedman’s contributions, stating, “Dougie has been instrumental in everything we have done over the past eight years and indeed had a huge impact before that as manager and, of course, as a player. I have enjoyed working with him immensely and wish him every success for the future.”

Freedman’s Farewell Message

In a heartfelt statement, Freedman expressed his gratitude to the club and its supporters. “I would like to extend my thanks to Steve Parish, the other owners, and to all the staff, managers, and players who have been at the club during my time here. It’s been an honour to represent the club, and I am incredibly proud of the work that’s been done in growing the football club into its current position.”

He also highlighted the promising future of the squad, saying, “To be leaving the club with a squad full of exciting talent led by an excellent manager, I truly believe the foundations are in place to be built upon.” Freedman thanked the fans for their unwavering support, adding, “Crystal Palace is and will always remain in my heart.”

Freedman is expected to stay with Crystal Palace on a short-term basis to assist with the transition and succession planning.

Long-term consultant Iain Moody may see his responsibilities expanded as the club looks to maintain the momentum built under Freedman’s leadership.

Freedman’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter for Crystal Palace, but his legacy of talent identification and squad development ensures the club is well-positioned for continued growth.