Bayern Munich has a decision to make regarding the future of Jerome Boateng.
It has been another successful week for Bayern Munich as they made it three wins out of three games in the Champions League with a 6-2 win against Red Bull Salzburg. The defending champions have one foot in the round of 16 after this victory.
Jerome Boateng was the unlikely scorer for Die Roten against RB Salzburg. The German defender calmly headed the ball past the goalkeeper after a pinpoint delivery from the corner by Joshua Kimmich. The German defender continues to deliver consistent performances under Hansi Flick.
Speaking to Sport1 this week, Boateng’s agent Damir Smoljan confirmed that the veteran defender is open to staying in Munich. Smoljan insisted that they are ready to hold talks with Bayern regarding a new contract. Boateng’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the current campaign.
So, the question arises, should Bayern reward Boateng with a new deal?
The answer is resounding yes! Die Roten is currently resigned to losing David Alaba next summer. The German club showed strong resolve by withdrawing the last contract offer from the table. As things stand, Alaba is likely to play for another club next season.
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In Alaba, Die Roten will be losing experience and quality. The club can replace the experience by keeping Boateng for one more season. The German defender can be relied upon to execute the role handed to him by Hansi Flick in central defense. His performances last season showed that he can still help Rekordmeister to win trophies at the highest level.
Boateng is also one of the leaders in the dressing room. Since the club will be parting ways with Javi Martinez and Alaba next summer, it is essential that they don’t lose too many leaders. Players such as Niklas Sule, Joshua Kimmich, and Leon Goretzka are becoming influential members of the squad, but having an experienced player for another year will do no harm to the squad.
The current squad has many young defenders that look certain to be the spine of the team for years. Lucas Hernandez is getting back to his best after an injury-ridden debut campaign. Benjamin Pavard can also fill in the center-back position, while Niklas Sule is returning to his pre-ACL injury form.
Apart from these young established defenders, Tanguy Kouassi and Chris Richards are fine defensive prospects that are ready to play for the first team. Kouassi played for Paris Saint-Germain’s first team last season, while Richards made his Bundesliga debut under Hansi Flick.
Amidst all these young defenders, keeping an experienced central defender for one more season is not a bad idea. Moreover, Boateng has found a new lease of life under Flick. He is no longer inconsistent and can come up with big performances as he did in the Champions League last season.