Bayern Munich are navigating one of the most consequential summers in recent memory, with the future of Michael Olise sitting at the centre of everything. Reports from L'Equipe and Bild indicate the 24-year-old communicated a desire to join Real Madrid to French teammates during the World Cup, though Madrid have since described a move as "nearly impossible" this window. Bayern want to extend his contract, which runs until 2029, and talks are expected soon. The outcome will shape the club's entire transfer strategy, given that further signings depend largely on outgoing fees.

The squad returning for pre-season is a skeleton version of the title-winning group. Vincent Kompany had just six senior players available for initial fitness testing at Säbener Straße. Key figures including Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upamecano are absent, with several carrying injuries from the World Cup. Musiala required surgery to remove a metal plate from his foot. Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl missed the tournament entirely through injury and remain in rehabilitation.

Off the pitch, the Joao Palhinha situation has become an embarrassment. Bayern reportedly refused to negotiate when Tottenham sought a lower fee than the agreed 30 million euro purchase option, and Spurs have since signed elsewhere. The asking price has now dropped to between 20 and 25 million euros, with Aston Villa and Benfica the likeliest destinations, though no concrete offer has arrived. Bayern begin pre-season proper on July 25 against third-division Wehen Wiesbaden, with the Bundesliga opener against Stuttgart on August 28.