Bayern has already made the leap into the world of release clauses

BFW Note for Readers: Massive apologies, this post did not publish on Tuesday due to a technical issue. We have decided to run it today…

For a while now, Bayern Munich supporters have been against the club including release clauses in player contracts.

However, fans are fighting a losing battle. Why? Because the club has been including exit clauses in players deals for quite a while. The thought that Bayern Munich was the last hold out raging against the machine is, well, outdated.

Per Sport Bild (as captured by @iMiaSanMia_GER), here are just a few of the known release clauses on the books at Bayern Munich:

Harry Kane: around 65 million € in summer 2026 (must be triggered by the end of January)

Jamal Musiala: 175 million €, decreases to 100 million € by summer 2029

Kim Min-jae: 100 million €, decreases to 70 million € by summer 2026

And there are undoubtedly more….so, it is time to admit defeat on this one. It is a new world and while we might not like it, this is how deals will get done and Bayern Munich knows it.

A release clause is thought to be one of the roadblocks in Bayern Munich getting a deal done with Dayot Upamecano, but it likely is not as much about the clause itself, but how much it de-escalates year-over-year.

Sure, it is a slippery slope, but the game as changed. While the “arena” is different, this exchange from The Wire rings true for Bayern Munich’s evolution into a new way of doing business:

Oh, and Bayern Munich will still absolutely try to avoid release clauses where possible, but as time goes on, it really might be inevitable that this just becomes the norm…whether we like it or not.

Song of the Midweek: “Oi! Oi! Oi!” by Cockney Rejects

I fell back in to the late 70s/early 80s punk scene again and emerged with Cockney Rejects and this one is their most well-known song. Back in 1980 it was a banger and it still is now (even if the boys are all West Ham supporters). Enjoy:

Bayern Munich youngster Wisdom Mike reported for duty with Germany’s U-17 team at the U-17 World Cup, but his career in Bavaria now seems to be solidified per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg:

🚨🔴 Wisdom #Mike has signed a contract with FC Bayern running until 2029. His deal will be converted into a professional contract on his 18th birthday, 24 September 2026, which will also include an adjustment to his salary.

The contract does not contain a release clause – just like Lennart Karl’s. Mike has no plans to leave Bayern in the winter on loan, and Vincent Kompany is set to give him playing time.

Stability is a big aspect of development and Mike is in a good spot. Sure, he could eventually end up going out on loan if he cannot get the playing time he needs, but for now, the attacker is comfortable and has the backing of the club. Given that, it is hard to think the grass will be greener elsewhere, any time soon.

Bayern Munich is traveling to hostile territory against the reigning Champions League titleholders and while there is every reason to think that Paris Saint-Germain should have the edge, the Bavarians are hotter, better team — at least at this moment.

From a fan perspective, this should be a joy to watch. Both attacking groups are relentless and should make life hell on the opposition. Undoubtedly, Bayern Munich will want to create tension in the stands by taking the game to PSG and if the Bavarians are lucky enough to score early, go even harder for a second goal.

It will not be easy, though. PSG is stout in its midfield and on the backline. This is — by far — the biggest test that Bayern Munich’s rejuvenated attack will face.

While we think there will be quite a few goals, we think Bayern Munich will do enough to escape from Paris with a vital Champions League win — and bragging rights on who the best team in Europe really is.

Prediction: Paris Saint-Germain 2-3 Bayern Munich

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Wednesday, November 5, 2025