Munich – Who’s Next? After the promotion of Hansi Flick to the permanent solution at the head coaching post and Thomas Muller’s contract extension, further personnel decisions are approaching at Bayern Munich.
Like the old contract from Muller, the contracts of captain Manuel Neuer, Thiago and David Alaba expire in the summer of 2021. “These are players who form a very important framework as in the past few months,” said Muller. The working papers of Jérôme Boateng, Javi Martínez, Sven Ulreich and Ron-Thorben Hoffmann also apply until then.
Of course, they speak to each other, said 30-year-old Muller, who made a statement this week with the early contract extension until June 30, 2023. “But you extend a contract with the club and for yourself because you have the feeling that the whole ensemble and the whole package fit here.”
Especially in difficult social times, in addition to the sporting and lucrative conditions, another aspect could speak for an extension at the German record champions. In the crisis, one sees “how trustworthy and structured” everything is organized, praised Muller. “I don’t know if there are many clubs in the world that guarantee this like FC Bayern.”
This is also emphasized by Flick, who hopes that his top performers will remain. “Especially in the current situation, you can appreciate that you are a Bayern Munich employee,” he said.
The Bayern stars whose contracts end this or next summer:
MANUEL NEUER (34 years / contract until 2021): A key person in the Bayern ensemble. The captain is aiming for a long-term contract. A short-term bond is common in Munich with stars in the mature professional age. Flick hopes that Neuer will stay. Both already know each other from the national team and became world champions together in 2014. In summer Alexander Nubel comes free of charge from FC Schalke. It should develop behind Neuer – it could be a long learning period.
DAVID ALABA (27/2021): The Austrian has been playing in Munich since 2008. The long-standing left-back made a further development step under Flick. The new head of defense recently emphasized that the “complete focus” was on Bayern. But of course, he could also basically imagine taking a different path. There is a lot to be said for an extension.
THIAGO (28/2021): «Thiago or nothing» Pep Guardiola explained and lured his dream player to Bayern in 2013. Thiago is also a top performer in flick football. Negotiations are said to be well advanced and agreement could soon be reached. The repeatedly speculated return to FC Barcelona would be off the table.
JAVI MARTINEZ (31/2021): The defensive man has long been unable to match the triple-year performance after repeated injuries. The Spaniard continues to enjoy a high reputation. With a corresponding offer and a change request, the club would certainly not put any obstacles in its way.
SVEN ULREICH (31/2021) and RON-THORBEN HOFFMANN (21/2021): There are no pressing questions to answer with these details. Nubel’s access in summer is not helpful for the two goalkeepers. Ulreich was during the long new
Injury a good representative. Hoffmann is aiming for a season as a young man.
LENDERS: Loans from Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona), Ivan Perisic (Inter Milan) and Álvaro Odriozola (Real Madrid) end in the summer. Odriozola returns to Real, Perisic can hope for a stay depending on the amount of the transfer fee. At Coutinho, Bayern should not pay the agreed purchase price of more than 100 million euros. Chelsea are said to be interested in the Brazilian.
