Bayern Munich have reportedly agreed to extend the stay of veteran wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery at the club.
Veteran duo Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery have entered into the final two months of their present contract. Bayern Munich have been delaying the decision of their future since the turn of the year. The duo have struck form in recent months and overall have been key players this season.
However, according to a report in Kicker, Bayern Munich have finally handed new deals to both wingers. Their new deal will now expire in June 2019.
The report also suggests that the duo were frustrated with the delay in their contract negotiations. However, they are both keen to remain in Bavaria amidst interest from China, USA and Qatar.
decided: @FCBayern gives the triple-heroes Robben and @FranckRibery new contracts til 2019 @SPORTBILD
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) April 12, 2018
This new deal is likely to be the last contract for both Robben and Ribery at Bayern Munich. The Bavarians lost a lot of experience last season after the retirements of Xabi Alonso and Philipp Lahm. They’ll be hoping that the team will have more leaders emerge in the squad when Robben and Ribery eventually leave the club.
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Robbe struggled with injury problems under Pep Guardiola. However, the Dutchman has been able to stay fit for the majority of the past two seasons.
Bayern still lack a natural wide player on the flank who can eventually replace Mr. Wembley. James Rodriguez and Thomas Muller can do well in that position, but they are at their best when they play centrally. Bayern have been heavily linked with Bourdeaux’s Malcom, but those reports have been directly shot down by the club. Assuming Bayern does purchase another right winger this summer, though, they will have a good mentor in Arjen Robben.
On the other hand, Ribery has been rotated with Kingsley Coman on the left throughout the season. The young forward has kept his compatriot out of the starting eleven with his consistent performances. However, since Coman’s injury, Ribery has stepped up and performed at an optimum level. Ribery is likely to be a squad player next season, but his experience and quality will be handy for the German Champions.
Along with their experience, Robben and Ribery still have the capability to deliver top performances. Their stay at the club will allow Bayern to decide the perfect successors for the duo. They know the club well and can help the younger players develop and settle quickly at the club.
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The two wingers have been brilliant players for Bayern Munich in the past decade. They have played a major role in the success of the club since their arrival. Bayern have done the right thing by handing them new deals, as speculation around their future is distracting during a crucial phase of the season. The duo played a massive role in Bayern’s 2013 treble-winning season, and it will be fitting if they are able to win it again this year.