Bayern to seek reinforcements after shock loss to Bremen

Bayern Munich fell to a shock 1-0 defeat at home to Werder Bremen yesterday – a result that is sure to hasten their desire for January signings.

Bremen’s Mitchell Weiser scored the only goal of the game after 59 minutes to seal his side’s first away win of the season and first victory over Bayern since 2008.

It was also Bayern’s first home defeat of the season and they now trail league leaders Bayer Leverkusen by seven points, albeit with a game in hand.

Bremen repeatedly tested Bayern on the counter in the first half and had a goal for Justin Njinmah ruled out for an earlier foul, while Bayern made little progress getting through the compact visiting defence.

Weiser, who previously played for both Leverkusen and Bayern, gave Bremen the lead with a moment of individual skill as he beat left-back Alphonso Davies out wide, cut inside and blasted a shot past Manuel Neuer.

Bayern had the Bremen goal under siege after that and came close to scoring with a Mathys Tel header that bounced off goalkeeper Michael Zetterer, against the post, back onto Zetterer and into the post again before Bremen could clear.

This setback will only drive speculation that Bayern will return this week with a fresh bid for Kieran Trippier. The Munich club want to strengthen at right-back and last week saw a loan offer for the 33-year-old England international rejected by Newcastle United.

The St James’ Park side are facing a series of big decisions over the final 10 days of the winter transfer window as clubs attempt to take advantage of their spending restrictions. After a sustained outlay since the Saudi Arabian takeover of the club, Newcastle are thought to be walking a fine line with Financial Fair Play rules.

Their issues have alerted a number of clubs on the continent, with Bayern among those looking to take advantage.

La Liga side Atletico Madrid are also reported to have made a loan offer for striker Callum Wilson.

Chief executive Darren Eales suggested earlier this month that tough calls might arise in the wake of their £400 million-plus spending spree since the club changed hands in October 2021.

Eales’ comments came as Newcastle reported a loss after tax of £73.4m in their latest financial figures, after which he admitted that every player in Eddie Howe’s squad had their price as the club attempt to balance the books.

If that sparked fears that one of their most saleable assets – defender Sven Botman, midfielder Bruno Guimaraes or striker Alexander Isak – could be vulnerable, it appears to have prompted potential buyers to test the water elsewhere.

England full-back Trippier was the new regime’s first signing in January 2022 when he arrived at St James’ Park from Atletico in what has proved to be a bargain £12m move.

This setback will only drive speculation that Bayern will return this week with a fresh bid for Kieran Trippier