Bayern Munich returned from their Asia tour in positive shape, beating Aston Villa 2-1 in Hong Kong on August 7 to record their third win from four pre-season fixtures. The result carried genuine tactical interest: with Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala all absent, Vincent Kompany deployed Konrad Laimer as a pressing centre-forward, producing a high-intensity performance that drew comparisons to Thomas Müller in his prime. Manuel Neuer, back from World Cup leave, made a decisive late save to protect the win, while young talents Maycon Cardozo and Tim Binder caught the eye on the flanks.

Offstage, Bayern are working hard to trim their squad before the season begins. The club wants to sell three loan returnees, with Joao Palhinha the most pressing case. Bayern are asking around 25 million euros for the Portuguese midfielder, but no deal has been agreed. Benfica submitted what is reported to be a final offer, structured as a loan with a purchase option, which does not meet Bayern's demands. Aston Villa and Newcastle United have also been linked, with Newcastle's interest potentially growing following Bruno Guimaraes' departure to Arsenal. Sacha Boey faces a similar exit, with Bayern seeking 15 million euros for the right-back. Kompany praised Boey's attitude despite the situation, noting his professionalism in training.

Looking ahead, Bayern host RB Leipzig in a pre-season fixture on August 15 before their competitive season opens with the Supercup against Borussia Dortmund on August 22. Kompany has set winning the Champions League as his explicit target, with the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal also firmly in his sights.