Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has not completely ruled out the idea of handing Franck Ribery a new contract at Bayern Munich.
Bayern Munich received a big injury boost last week when Franck Ribery returned to action. The Frenchman was out for a few weeks due to a minor injury he suffered during the winter training camp in Doha. His experience will be important for Bayern in the Bundesliga title race and the upcoming Champions League tie against Liverpool.
There has been a general acceptance among the Bayern Munich faithful that this is Ribery’s last season at the club. Hasan Salihamidzic has previously hinted that Ribery’s time at the club is coming to an end, while the Frenchman has also sounded pessimistic about the possibility of him signing a new contract.
Bayern chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, meanwhile, is not yet ready to rule out a new contract for the French winger. Speaking to Eurosport (via Sport Bild), Rummenigge insisted that his club will hold talks with Ribery and his agent toward the end of this season. He further added that despite the departures of some experienced players, Bayern will have a strong team next year.
"“We’ve won many titles thanks to Franck. I know football is not always about showing gratitude, but I really like him. We will have talks with him and his agent and we’ll make a decision. I can’t predict what the decision will be today.“I do not have the impression that we have to worry about the future. We will work to have a top team again next year.”"
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Earlier this week Ribery also confirmed his interest in staying at Bayern beyond this season. The Frenchman believes he still can offer a lot at the top level and contribute in Bayern’s bid to win trophies next season. In a candid interview with L’Equipe (via Sky Germany), Ribery praised Bayern for treating him well since he joined the club from Marseille in 2007.
It would be a huge surprise if Bayern give Ribery a contract extension. The club is looking to add some depth on the wings in the upcoming summer transfer window. Die Roten tried to sign Callum Hudson-Odoi from Chelsea in January, but the English club was not keen on selling the 18-year-old in the winter market. The German champions are likely to come back with an improved offer for the teenager in the summer.
Ribery’s gametime will reduce significantly next season as Bayern also have Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry and Alphonso Davies at their disposal. The Frenchman has struggled with injuries on a consistent basis in the past few seasons. The only real upside of giving him a new contract would be the experience Ribery has under his belt that could be useful in helping train the younger players.
Arjen Robben has already announced this will be his last season in Munich. Robben and Ribery have played a major role in Bayern’s success in the last ten years. However, the time has come for the club to part ways with these players. They will surely be welcomed back to the club with open arms to take on another role once they’ve retired from playing.