Ahead of the summer transfer window, Jerome Boateng addresses questions regarding his future at Bayern Munich.
Bayern Munich will have to make some tough decisions this summer regarding the future of some senior players. The German club took similar steps last summer as they started building a young squad to enjoy sustained success on the pitch.
This summer, many players will be entering the final year of their respective contracts. Die Roten has already opened talks with David Alaba, Manuel Neuer, and Thiago Alcantara regarding a contract extension, but there have been no discussions with Jerome Boateng and Javi Martinez.
Boateng was enjoying a good run of games under Hansi Flick before football was suspended indefinitely due to coronavirus pandemic. The German defender was praised by Hasan Salihamidzic for taking extra efforts to regain a spot in the first team.
There is still a good chance that Boateng will not be playing in Bavaria next season as the club has already brought in two expensive central defenders. Speaking to Kicker, Boateng insisted that he is open to seeing out the final year of his contract with Bayern.
"“The club has to come to me one way or the other.”“I don’t have to get out of Bayern. I still have a contract.”"
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Boateng has been close to leaving the German club in the past two summer transfer windows. He came close to joining Paris-Saint Germain in 2018, but two clubs couldn’t reach an agreement over the transfer fee. He also rejected a move to England the same summer as Manchester United made a loan enquiry for his services.
Die Roten signed Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard, sending Boateng down in the pecking order. The German defender played during pre-season friendlies but found himself on the bench in the Bundesliga. There were reports in Germany suggesting that Boateng had asked Salihamidzic to sanction a January departure.
However, an injury crisis in defense forced the club to stick with Boateng. Flick brought him back in the lineup and paired him with David Alaba in the heart of the defense. Boateng repaid Flick’s faith by delivering steady performances after the winter break. He eradicated mistakes from his game and helped the team to become a more solid defensive unit.
Despite the recent upturn in form, Die Roten should part ways with Boateng in summer. The German defender has been a wonderful player for the club, but time is right for all parties to move in a different direction. Boateng is unlikely to get regular playing time next season. His recent performances will help him to get a good move in a different European league. Moreover, this summer is the last chance for Bayern to get a reasonable fee for the veteran defender.