With the 2023/24 Bundesliga campaign almost half way done the German top flight players and managers are taking a well earned break, before hostilities begin again on the 12th January when FC Bayern host Hoffenheim.
So, while we have a breather, let’s take a look at the men who have made the headlines over the past five months.
According to the latest Bundesliga 2024 betting odds, FC Bayern are heading for yet another title, at SBOTOP odds of 1.39, with current leaders Bayer Leverkusen the biggest threat and priced at 2.70. Die Werkself are four points clear and have shown plenty of signs that they are ready to stay the course. And that has made 42 year old manager Xabi Alonso one of the most highly rated young head coaches in world football. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfield star took over at Leverkusen in 2022 after cutting his coaching teeth with Real Madrid youth and Real Sociedad B team.
In his first campaign in charge Alonso led Leverkusen to a sixth placed finish and he formulated a plan to challenge for the title in his second full season. Former Arsenal enforcer Granit Xhaka has been at Leverkusen for six months and he says his new head coach has a fluidity of approach which keeps opponents guessing: “I think hat Xabi can play a back four, but he can play as well a back five,” says Xhaka. “What he wants always two number sixes, not running everywhere or more of the time be in position. I think as a coach you need your own philosophy, your own tactics, your won ideas.”
Europe’s top clubs are tracking Alonso’s progress with Liverpool, FC Bayern and Real Madrid all touted as his next step, but for now Alonso is Leverkusen’s inspirational leader.
Kane eyes Lewi’s record
When Harry Kane rocked up at Bayern Munich in the summer we knew he was a world class striker, but even his most ardent fans will be delighted just how well things have panned out. 18 months ago it looked like Kane’s pursuit of silverware would take him to Manchester City; but the Sky Blues opted for Erling Braut Haaland and Kane missed out on a treble. But any regrets he may have had have disappeared after five incredible months in the German top flight.
After bagging a brace in Bayern’s 3-0 win over Stuttgart early in December he became the quickest player ever to reach 20 Bundesliga goals, in 14 games and seven fewer than the legendary Uwe Seeler. Now the former Spurs man has 21 goals from 15 games and is well on target to beat Robert Lewandowski’s record of 41.
Who can stop the Bayern hitman?
Premier League Clubs want Guirassy
Well, VfB Stuttgart are this season’s surprise package, currently sitting in third place and they have a fantastic attacking force to thank for that. Serhou Guirassy has scored 17 goals already but there is a serious danger he may be on his way in January, with two of the Premier League’s Europe chasers in pursuit. The 27 year old has a £18m release clause in his contract and Stuttgart may live to regret that as Manchester United, who are desperate to sign a striker preparing an approach. But the Red Devils will have competition from West Ham United while Tottenham, yet to replace Kane and in the midst of an injury crisis are also in the frame.
Now in the prime of his career and in the form of his life, Guirassy may be ready for a new challenge and while, at £18m, he will be a snip, his wage requirements will probably put the English clubs at the front of the queue. He has already rejected a new contract at Stuttgart and so it looks like Guirassy may be on his way.
Leipzig land Elmas
In other Bundesliga 2024 news, Red Bull Leipzig have signed Macedonian star Eljif Elmas for an estimated 25m Euros, in a contract which will keep him at the club until 2028. The midfield ace will wear the number six shirt and Leipzig fans will hope to see him repeat the exiting form he showed to help Napoli to the Scudetto last year. Elmas will travel to Red Bull’s training camp in La Manga on 2nd January and is set to fill a gap in the Red Bulls’ midfield, with veteran Emil Forsberg set for a move to Major League Soccer in the USA.
The club’s owners are delighted with their new star, saying: “Eljif’s technical ability is amazing. He’s nimble, loves to run and dribble, and can score goals. He can play down the middle, but is equally comfortable on both wings.”
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
