Bayern has learned from the Wirtz drama – and is now still in the Woltemade dilemma

FC Bayern 's summer transfer window hasn't gone as planned so far. In Florian Wirtz, the record champions have missed out on one of the best players of their generation. Alternatives like Nico Williams and Jamie Gittens have also chosen other clubs. Even Leroy Sané has rejected a potential contract extension and is headed for Istanbul.

As was the case with the 2024 coaching search, there was a hail of public rejections – a disgrace for the proud Munich team.

But one man could bring some color back to the dreary picture and calm people's minds: Nick Woltemade.

Although "calming people" doesn't really apply to the Woltemade issue; rather, the opposite is true. It could have been an absolute coup if Bayern had quietly and secretly made it clear they were signing the U21 hero. Bayern wants Woltemade , and Woltemade wants to join Bayern. It could be that simple.

But because apparently no one contacted VfB Stuttgart, the fronts have now hardened. Both sides are angry: some because of the public and vehement courting of a player who is under contract until 2028, others because of the unrealistic and excessive transfer demands.

You can (almost) feel sorry for Max Eberl. The sporting director is hearing from all sides that he has to cut costs, cut costs, cut costs. At the same time, however, he has to extend the contracts of players like Jamal Musiala and Joshua Kimmich and continue a transformation. Players who match the quality and standards of the record champions cost money. Strange, but true.

A bet Eberl is apparently willing to take. The sporting director has learned from the Wirtz drama. Here, FC Bayern rested on their status as Germany's number one for one year too long. The Munich club has fallen into the trap of still being the first port of call for talented German players. But the island is simply more attractive, both from a sporting and financial perspective.

Wirtz was not only able to confirm his seemingly inexhaustible talent year after year, he was also able to develop into a world-class player. This created covetousness and drove his price skyrocketing. A price that only the financially strong English, sheikh clubs, or the top Spanish clubs, where financial sovereignty isn't taken quite so seriously, could easily pay.

That shouldn't happen in the Woltemade case; FC Bayern wants to act too soon rather than too late. According to Matthäus, the club didn't recognize the attacker's enormous potential three years ago, and he "slipped through their fingers."

Now, the 23-year-old has shot himself into the spotlight of many top clubs at the European Youth Championship. If Woltemade can pick up where he left off in Stuttgart next season, €100 million is a realistic figure in a year.

According to transfermarkt.de, his current market value is "only" €30 million. However, the hype surrounding the likeable striker is driving this figure disproportionately high. VfB Stuttgart is happy to acknowledge this. They have Woltemade under contract until 2028 and are in no rush. Stuttgart are aware of the tense situation facing Munich and naturally want to take advantage of it.

They actually have all the aces in their hand. But Bayern have the wild card: Woltemade wants to go to Munich—and only to Munich.

To finalize this coup, salvage the so-far botched transfer summer, and prevent further drama surrounding a German international, FC Bayern must overpay. Given the current austerity measures, this is a balancing act for Eberl. A dilemma.