GM, Free Agents. It is THURSDAY of Champions League final week.

Welcome to the The Free Transfer— the 5-min daily newsletter making you smarter about football.

What’s up today:

• Another Dortmund traitor joins Bayern 💥 ✈️ 

• Messi joins Inter Miami, over Saudi Arabia or Barcelona 🦩 🇺🇸 

• West Ham win the UECL title 🏆️ 

GUERREIRO TRADES DORTMUND FOR BAYERN💥🦹 

In a move that adds insult to injury just weeks after Dortmund lost the league title to rivals Bayern Munich on the final day, left back Raphael Guerreiro is swapping Dortmund yellow for Bayern red. He’s not the first to do so either…

Long line of “traitors” 🦹 

There is a long history of Dortmund players who dared to switch allegiances and join their arch-rivals, Bayern Munich. It has usually been in an attempt to push for bigger titles than Dortmund can on a yearly basis (ahem—UCL).

Lothar Matthäus

Matthäus, a true football legend, began his career at Dortmund. After making a name for himself, he embarked on an adventure at Inter Milan. However, the allure of Bayern Munich proved too strong, & he returned to Germany, spending several successful years with Bayern, winning multiple Bundesliga titles but never winning that elusive Champions League (thanks, Ole Gunnar Solskjær).

Thomas Helmer

Helmer was a notable presence in Dortmund's defense, contributing to their historic Bundesliga triumph. Yet, to the astonishment of Dortmund fans, he made a surprising move to Bayern Munich. This transfer left a bitter taste in the mouths of Dortmund fans.

Mario Götze

Emerging from Dortmund's youth academy, Götze showcased immense talent and played a pivotal role in their success. He helped Dortmund secure two Bundesliga titles & a memorable run to the UEFA Champions League final in 2013. However, Götze caused a seismic shift in the rivalry when he controversially joined Bayern Munich in 2013. Although his move created tension between the two clubs, Götze eventually returned to Dortmund in 2016.

Mats Hummels

Hummels initially began his professional career at Bayern Munich but struggled to secure regular playing time. Seeking more opportunities, he made the switch to Dortmund in 2008, where he became a stalwart in their defense, lifting Bundesliga titles and reaching the Champions League final in 2013. In a surprising twist, Hummels eventually returned to Bayern in 2016, leaving Dortmund fans perplexed. He made the switch for a final time back to Dortmund in 2019. What a roller coaster ride that’s been…

Robert Lewandowski

Known for his remarkable goal-scoring ability, Lewandowski started his Bundesliga journey at Dortmund. He left an indelible mark during his time there, contributing to their triumphs, including two league titles and a memorable run to the Champions League final. However, in a controversial move, Lewandowski departed Dortmund for Bayern Munich in 2014, leaving a void in the hearts of the Dortmund faithful. After joining Bayern, he continued to showcase his scoring prowess, while achieving numerous titles and records, including the coveted Champions League trophy.

Dortmund’s most loyal player 🤲 

Marcos Reus

Marco Reus has shown immense loyalty to Borussia Dortmund, rejecting Bayern Munich's advances multiple times. His unwavering commitment to Dortmund and their fans has made him a beloved club icon, defying temptations & remaining a symbol of loyalty in football. That’s what made it all the more painful to watch his Dortmund team fail to win the title on the final day this season.

Bayern vacuums up pretty much all talent in Germany, and that is not likely to end any time soon. Gotta feel for Dortmund’s fans on this one.

MESSI JOINS INTER MIAMI OVER SAUDI ARABIA & BARCA 🦩🇺🇸 

The arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami will undoubtedly have a profound and transformative impact on the MLS & football as a sport in the United States. Messi's unparalleled star power will bring more eyes than ever to the league.

Implications of the move 📊 

Commercial 💰️ 

From a business perspective, the signing of Messi will be a game-changer for MLS. His global brand & massive following will attract a plethora of new sponsors, advertisers, & lucrative broadcast deals, injecting substantial revenue into the league. This infusion of funds will pave the way for significant investments in infrastructure & player development, further raising the bar for the entire league.

Popularity of football in the US 📈 

His presence will likely generate a surge of interest in soccer across America, particularly at the grassroots level. His global stardom will captivate the imaginations of young aspiring players, inspiring them to dream big & pursue the sport with passion.

The increased visibility & excitement surrounding Messi's presence around the country can help to draw more attention to local youth programs, academies, & community leagues, fostering increased enthusiasm for soccer at all levels.

The USSF (United States Soccer Federation— who run the national team) will hope that this influx of interest will lead to greater participation rates, improved infrastructure, & enhanced development pathways for young players nationwide, ultimately propelling the growth of soccer in the US to new heights.

WEST HAM WIN THE EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE 🏆️ 

Their first European trophy since the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1965, this is a truly historic moment for the club. Congratulations to the fans, players, manager & club.

The winner came from a 90’ goal by Jarrod Bowen, who was slipped in behind Fiorentina’s high defensive line by a perfectly-weighted pass from Lucas Paqueta.

This was likely club captain Declan Rice’s final game with the club. What a moment for him.

⚒️ ⚒️ ⚒️ ⚒️ ⚒️ 

That’s all for today folks. Transfers are hotting up! The UCL final is just around the corner now…. t-minus 2 days.

Cheers,

—The Gaffer

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