Muller set to be handed Euros lifeline by Low

Paul Okey
18 May 2021

Veteran on the verge of Germany recall after impressive season; Depay looks Barcelona-bound.

SOCCER: Thomas Muller's impressive season with Bayern Munich looks like earning him a recall to the Germany squad.

Muller looked to have made his 100th and last appearance for Germany in 2018, when they drew 2-2 with the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League.

In March 2019, Low announced that he would no longer be selecting Muller, Jerome Boateng and then-Bayern teammate Mats Hummels.

"2019 is the year of a new start for the German national team," he said. "In the year of qualifying for the European Championship 2020, we are sending a clear signal of renewal.

"The young national team players will have the space they need to fully develop… we want to give the team a new face."

Muller admitted the decision was a shock, saying: "The longer I think about it, the more I'm angry about the way this has happened. I have no understanding for the suggested definitiveness of this decision."

However, it now seems Low's decision wasn't as final as first thought.

Muller, who is still only 31, has had another influential season with Bayern Munich, scoring 15 goals in 45 appearances.

And the Daily Mirror reports via DW Sports that Muller will be included in the Germany squad for this summer's Euros - Low's last tournament in charge.

Muller can be backed at 100/1 with Paddy Power to complete a fairy-tale return and be named Player of the Tournament.

Germany are 7/1 to lift the trophy.

Depay on his way to Barcelona despite Koeman uncertainty

SOCCER: L'Equipe reports that Memphis Depay will complete his long awaited free transfer from Lyon to Barcelona at the start of June.

The Dutch international has been heavily linked with a Catalonian reunion with former La Oranje boss Ronald Koeman ahead of the 2021/22 season with his contract in France expiring next month.

Reports had claimed Depay would only commit to a move if Koeman's own future was secure at Camp Nou.

However, despite The Sun reporting that there is a "99 per cent chance that Barcelona will sack Koeman", Depay looks set to agree a contract before the European Championships.

Depay is 16/1 to be the top scorer at the summer's Euros, with Netherlands 12/1 to be crowned champions.

Seagulls star Bissouma could depart for £40million

SOCCER: Liverpool and Arsenal have been told they will need at least £40million if they want to sign Brighton star Yves Bissouma.

Liverpool have tracked the 24-year-old all season as they search for a replacement for Gini Wijnaldum who is expected to leave when his contract expires this summer.

Mikel Arteta is also desperate to capture the services of the Mali international as he looks to overhaul his squad at the Emirates.

Brighton are under no pressure to sell Bissouma, with manager Graham Potter believing another year on the south coast will aid his development.

However, The Sun report that a figure of £40million would tempt the Seagulls to part with a player of whom John Barnes said "has the ability to play at a team like Liverpool".

There is little between the Premier League rivals when it comes to the betting, with Arsenal 5/2 favourites to land Bissouma and Liverpool next best at 11/4 with Sky Bet.

Manchester City are 8/1.

* All odds correct at time of publication