The ongoing summer transfer window will witness the emergence of the Saudi Pro League. Karim Benzema and N’golo Kante have sealed a big-money move to Saudi Arabia, while several other players are also being targeted. Bayern Munich players may also end up receiving lucrative Saudi Arabia.
Thomas Muller is the first Bayern player that has been subject to interest from the Gulf country. According to Bild (via iMiaSanMia), Muller had received a three-year contract from Saudi Arabia. The German forward rejected this approach since he has no interest in moving out of Europe this summer.
The 33-year-old forward is expected to be part of Germany’s squad for next summer’s Euros. In such a scenario, playing at the top level in Europe will be beneficial for Muller instead of going to Saudi Arabia. The German international may look for a move out of Europe when he is in his mid-30s.
Thomas Muller may have rejected enquires from Saudi Arabia, but his future at Bayern is far from certain. One German report at the start of May revealed that Muller is contemplating a transfer away from Die Roten due to a lack of consistent playing time during the second half of last season.
Muller is no longer an undisputed starter for the first team. The German forward has strong competition from Jamal Musiala in the number ten position. Musiala has firmly established himself as a key member of the starting XI at Bayern in the last 12 months. He had an impressive campaign in the final third, which was fittingly capped off with a crucial winner against FC Koln to Die Roten in sealing the Bundesliga title win on the final matchday of the season.
Tuchel has consistently praised Muller in the media, but the German forward has not started games regularly under the former Chelsea head coach. The club chiefs have consistently insisted that Muller remains a vital member of the squad and he is unlikely to leave in the summer.
Bayern would certainly like to keep a player of Muller’s caliber. However, they may not stand in the way if he requests a transfer. The Bavarian club is expected to strengthen the attack this summer, so it will be interesting to see how it impacts Muller’s decision.
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Thomas Muller has reached that stage of his career where he has to play a bit part role at Bayern. After excelling for years in the Bavarian shirt, Muller now needs to be the mentor for younger players and make a difference as a squad player. It remains to be seen if the 33-year-old forward is ready to accept this role at Die Roten.