Michael Olise is the story of Bayern Munich's season so far. The 24-year-old has scored nine goals in nine appearances across all competitions, adding five assists, and his market value has risen to 180 million euros, a new Bundesliga record. A winner for France against Belgium added to his club haul of eight goals and four assists, prompting Bayern sporting director Max Eberl to name him a Ballon d'Or contender. Former France international Rothen went further, placing Olise alongside Lamine Yamal above every other player in world football. The on-pitch brilliance, though, sits alongside a more complicated off-pitch picture. Bayern have held talks with Olise's agent over his public behaviour, with teammates reportedly describing something close to social anxiety around strangers. The club want him on a new deal through 2032, worth up to 25 million euros per year, but his camp is holding out for an exit clause and has yet to open formal negotiations.

Beyond Olise, the club's goalkeeping succession plan is taking shape. Jonas Urbig made his Germany debut against Serbia, triggering a bonus payment of over one million euros to former club Cologne, and Bayern are now assessing backup options including Oliver Baumann and Bernd Leno ahead of Manuel Neuer's expected retirement at season's end. On the pitch, Bayern sit second in the Bundesliga, two points behind Borussia Dortmund, and travel to Augsburg on 10 October.