Just before the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain, Hasan Salihamidzic confirmed that Jerome Boateng will not be at Bayern Munich next season. The German defender is open to talking to other clubs since his contract in Bavaria expires in June.
There is still strong debate surrounding the timing of this news since Die Roten was preparing for a key game. However, it would be heartening for the Bavarian faithful if Boateng ends his career at Bayern with some outstanding performances in the next six weeks, starting against PSG later tonight. Ahead of a busy summer window, we look at which leagues would be better suited for Boateng.
Serie A
Juventus had reportedly shown interest in Boateng during 2019 summer transfer window, but a move didn’t materialise. Since Boateng is a free agent, there will be a lot of interest from Italian clubs. Moreover, the Italian league will suit Boateng as he is not as fast he used to be. However, Boateng is still strong positionally, so playing in Serie A will benefit him.
AC Milan and Juventus could be very good options for him since both of them are likely to play in the Champions League next season. Both clubs dominate possession in most games, which aligns with the strengths of Boateng. Moving to Italy will also benefit Boateng financially since the new tax laws benefit footballers.
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
Premier League
On Tuesday, The Times in England reported that Tottenham Hotspurs are interested in signing Boateng during the summer transfer window. Spurs manager Jose Mourinho had tried to sign him on loan during his time at Manchester United, but Boateng refused a move to England.
With center-back position very well sorted for top clubs in England, Spurs and Arsenal are only likely to be options for Boateng in the summer. If the German defender is still aspiring to play in the Champions League, then these two clubs wouldn’t be able to tick this box due to their current position in the Premier League.
La Liga
Real Madrid and Barcelona have been heavily linked with Boateng’s teammate, David Alaba. One of them may have to look somewhere else for improving defense without spending big money. Boateng could be a very valuable option for one of these La Liga giants. It remains to be seen whether Atletico Madrid will also be in the market for a central defender.
The German defender ticks most boxes to play for one of the biggest Spanish clubs. However, he may have to settle for a lower wage packet due to the financial situation at both clubs. Playing for Barcelona or Real Madrid is surely a mouth-watering prospect for Boateng for sure.
Verdict:
Ligue 1 would have been an option if Thomas Tuchel was still managing Paris Saint-Germain. The German manager tried hard to sign Jerome Boateng in 2018. As far other options are considered, the best fit financially and sportingly, Serie A looks to be the best bet for Boateng, while Premier League is the least favourable option.
Nevertheless, considering the nature of the market due to the pandemic, Jerome Boateng will be in demand during the summer transfer window. Moreover, he has discovered his best form in the last 18 months at Die Roten, so he can surely continue playing at the top level.