Having signed center-back / left-back Hiroki Ito from VfB Stuttgart and having witnessed countless defensive issues pop up in the previous season, there was always a good chance that Bayern Munich would let go one a center back this summer. The two with the strongest links away are Matthijs de Ligt and Dayot Upamecano, with the former even reportedly having agreed personal terms with Manchester United.

In a recent interview, as captured by @iMiaSanMia, Uli Hoeness addressed the possibility that one of them could be leaving, making a particularly eye catching connection to a recent rumor: "It's possible that a defender will leave. De Ligt is Dutch, the coach at Manchester United is Dutch. I would have no problem if he stays. Personally, I would not sell Upamecano."

He goes on to praise Upamecano some more, while adding some words on Kane, as captured yet again by @iMiaSanMia. "Upamecano played very well for the French national team [in the 2024 Euros], he played every game. As for Kane, I hope that Kompany can bring Harry back to his old strength - he's very important for us."

It seems that Upamecano will get another chance to prove his worth to Bayern while De Ligt's hangs much more in the balance. The former Juventus player may see his future at a top club cut short yet again.

What is Kompany cooking? Are the Pep comparisons really warranted? We discuss all that and more - including parallels to another "Guardiola disciple" in Mikel Arteta - on the newest edition of our podcast! Listen to it below or on Spotify.