The Top Stories Surrounding Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich holds a comfortable lead in the Bundesliga, and are expected to manage a long run in the Champion’s League as well. All in all, this has been a great season for the German club. As we gear up for the final stretch of games, here are the top stories that you should be aware of.

1) Ex-Bayern Munich President, Uli Hoeness, Leaves Prison

Uli Hoeness, former Bayern Munich president, has recently been released from prison, after serving half of his three-and-a-half-year sentence for tax evasion.

Bavaria’s Justice Ministry has confirmed the news, stating that Hoeness, who was convicted in March 2014, was released from Landsberg prison on Monday morning. He served 21 months of his 40-month sentence.

Last week, Hoeness told kicker magazine: “I will enjoy football, go into the stadium, and be a fan again.” Bild reports that Hoeness is set to return to the Allianz Arena for the first time since his incarceration on June 2, 2014, when Bayern Munich hosts Mainz.

There has been no confirmation whether Hoeness will return to a senior role with the club this summer.

2) Bayern Munich and Manchester United Eye Juventus’ Bonucci

Leonardo Bonucci has played an important part in Juventus’ impressive 17-match unbeaten run in Serie A. The Italian international’s play has caught the attention of some of the most powerful clubs in Europe.

According to Tuttosport, Pep Guardiola attempted to acquire Bonucci last summer. The manager is so impressed with the player that he is eager to make him one of his first signings when he takes over at City. Guardiola will be looking for a complete overhaul of Manchester United’s unreliable back four; Bonucci would help greatly in those efforts.

The report also claims, however, that Bayern Munich has a strong interest in the defender as well. The club is expected to battle with City to buy the 28-year-old during the offseason.

3) Mario Gotze’s Continued Absence

Since returning from injury earlier this month, Mario Gotze has spent time on the practice field, but Bayern Munich has not yet played him in a actual game. Gotze suffered a groin injury back in early October, and has remained an unused substitute in Bayern’s last three matches after returning to fitness.

Bayern boss Guardiola has said that the German international, whose long-term future with the club is still undecided, has not been featured because he was behind the likes of Thomas Muller, Arjen Robben, Douglas Costa, Franck Ribery, Kingsley Coman, and Thiago Alcantara in the pecking order. Sporting executive Matthias Sammer added that the other players are just one step ahead of him and that “it’s not the time for experiments.”

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Bjorn Koch is a businessman, world traveler, lover of fine dining and soccer fanatic. Born in Germany, where he fell in love with Bayern Munich, Bjorn currently resides in Boston, MA.