Bayern Munich's summer is being defined by an unresolved transfer situation that threatens to overshadow their pre-season preparations. Sporting director Max Eberl has ruled out a deal with Aston Villa for Joao Palhinha, telling reporters bluntly that an agreement with the English club is simply not possible. Villa want a loan with an option to buy; Bayern are demanding a permanent sale for around 25 million euros. With the window closing on 1 September, Palhinha, Sacha Boey and Bryan Zaragoza all remain at the club despite sitting outside Vincent Kompany's plans. Zaragoza has rejected a lucrative offer from outside Europe and is still hampered by a knee problem, while Boey has no concrete suitors. All three face the prospect of watching from the stands.

Off the pitch, Eberl is closing in on a contract extension to 2029, with the supervisory board set to ratify the decision on 25 August. Reports suggest he rebuilt trust with Uli Hoeneß and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge by improving communication and delivering the signings of Nathaniel Brown and Ismael Saibari without complications. The future of sporting director Christoph Freund is less clear, with the kicker reporting that tensions between the two executives have not fully dissolved.

On the squad side, Jamal Musiala is working through his post-surgery recovery and Alphonso Davies faces a genuine battle for his left-back spot against new signing Brown. Young midfielder Tom Bischof has caught the eye in pre-season, while 18-year-old Bara Ndiaye has signed a permanent deal. Bayern beat Aston Villa 2-1 in their most recent friendly and face RB Leipzig on Saturday before the DFL Supercup against Borussia Dortmund on 22 August.