Bayern Munich target Jann-Fiete Arp denies Hamburg contract extension
Hamburg youngster Jann-Fiete Arp has decided not to renew his contract with the relegated club in hopes of a move to Bayern Munich.
While this Bundesliga season may have been fantastic for Bayern Munich, it was not so great for other clubs. Hamburg, previously the only club to have never been relegated from the Bundesliga, was finally demoted from Germany’s top flight.
The club has historically been one of the most dominant teams in Germany. It’s a real shock to see them go through their recent crisis. However, relegation may be just what the club needs to finally get back on track.
Hamburg’s relegation has many implications. One of the most pertinent for Bayern Munich, though, is that of the future of Jann-Fiete Arp.
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Arp is one of the most promising young center-forwards in Germany. The 18-year-old has been a breakout star for both Hamburg and Germany’s U-17 team throughout the past year. His excellent performances have seen him linked with a move to Bayern on several occasions.
A recent report from Bild now claims that Arp has made the final decision about his future. He wants to join Bayern Munich and has denied a contract extension with Hamburg.
Arp’s contract runs until next summer, at which point he will be free to join any club interested without any fee needing to be paid to Hamburg. This forces the club to make a tough decision: do they sell Arp this summer and make some profit? Or do they keep him for next season, knowing that he will leave at the end of the campaign free of charge?
Do they even have the option, though? About a month ago, a report circulated claiming there is a release clause in Arp’s contract that becomes active with Hamburg’s relegation. According to that Sportbild report, the youngster can be purchased for around eight million euros.
Whether this summer or next, all signs point to a move to Bavaria for young Arp. Perhaps staying in the 2. Bundesliga with Hamburg for one more season wouldn’t be the worst option, though. Even if he joins Bayern this summer, the most likely scenario is that he will be sent out on loan anyway.
Next: Sandro Wagner robbed of place on German national team
He’s an undeniably talented player with lots of potential, but it’s hard to imagine him stealing much playing time from either Robert Lewandowski or Sandro Wagner. And if Bayern are truly intending on making a big addition to their attacking line with a player like Paulo Dybala, things will only be made more complicated for Arp.