Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of signing Bayern Munich defender and German international Jerome Boateng.
Jerome Boateng has been linked with numerous clubs throughout the summer, after the German defender openly admitted he would like to move abroad at this point in his career. Bayern Munich are reportedly ready to listen to offers for the 29-year-old center-back, and have entered talks with Thomas Tuchel’s Paris Saint-Germain.
After a poor World Cup, reports emerged in Germany that Boateng is more likely to stay at Bayern. However, there were some murmurs in Paris linking him with a move to the French capital. These rumors became more concrete on Tuesday, when a report from Sky Sports in Germany said that the two clubs are in advanced negotiations for the transfer of Boateng.
However, this report was soon refuted by Sport Bild. The German outlet confirmed PSG’s interest in Boateng but suggested that negotiations between the clubs are not in advanced stages. Sport Bild further added that Thomas Tuchel has already spoken to Boateng and is very interested in bringing him to the club.
More from Bayern Strikes
- Bayern Munich: Tactical takeaways from 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich: Kingsley Coman set to be fit for Manchester United clash
- Bayern Munich unlikely to move for Trevoh Chalobah in January
- Bayern Munich: Key lessons from draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich remains keen on hiring Max Eberl
Sport Bild’s report was later confirmed by Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. The Bayern Munich CEO said that the two clubs have not yet started talks for Boateng’s transfer. While speaking to media on Tuesday (via Sky Sports) Rummenigge insisted that Boateng’s agent is currently talking to PSG, though. These reports have not indicated anything about a possible transfer fee, but Rummenigge has previously insisted that the club will only listen to big offers for Boateng.
"“At the moment there is no direct contact between the clubs. But there is contact between [Boateng’s] agents and PSG.“We have to find a transfer fee that would be acceptable for both parties.”"
Bayern Munich are doing the right thing by listening to offers for the defender. Boateng has been a brilliant player for Bayern, but he has struggled heavily with injuries in the past few seasons. His performances have taken a dip due to these injuries. This is probably the last summer when Bayern will be able to get a big fee for Boateng.
The German champions might accelerate the process of bringing in Benjamin Pavard after Boateng’s departure. Bayern are reportedly in talks with Stuttgart for the Frenchman. Many reports even suggest Bayern have already agreed a deal that will bring the player in next summer. If that proves to be the case, Bayern will only have Javi Martinez, Niklas Sule and Mats Hummels as center-backs in the first team this season, while David Alaba can also fill in at that position if needed.
Next: What does the future hold for Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara?
Boateng could be the first star player to leave Bayern this summer. The Bavarians are ready to trim their squad by selling some of the big name players. Arturo Vidal and Thiago Alcantara are also linked with moves away from the club. The former is strongly linked with a move to Inter Milan, while the latter reportedly wants a return to Barcelona. In the next couple of weeks the picture will become clear as Niko Kovac wants a squad of 22 players.