There is a lot of work to do for Bayern Munich chiefs regarding contract extensions of senior players for second consecutive seasons. They were successful in renewing contracts of Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich, Manuel Neuer, and Alphonso Davies last season. Leroy Sane was the only player who didn’t agree terms with Bayern and left on a free transfer in July to join Galatasaray.
Bayern are set for dialogue with Dayot Upamecano, Leon Goretzka, and Serge Gnabry for new contracts. They are not that keen on offering a new deal to Goretzka, while Gnabry’s situation is likely to be assessed later in the campaign. Upamecano is the most vital contract extension for Bayern this season.
The French defender has eight months left on his current deal. He has been enjoying good form this campaign and largely been a key player for Vincent Kompany over the last 18 months. Upamecano wants to stay at Bayern, but there has been an impasse in talks between two parties due to player’s financial demands.
With uncertainty looming over Upamecano’s future in Munich, Bayern are looking at several center-back options in the transfer market.
According to Sky Sports in Germany, Bayern are keeping close tabs on Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck. The German defender’s contract at Dortmund expires in 2027. If he decides against signing a new deal, Dortmund will have to cash in next summer. Real Madrid have also shown interest in Schlotterbeck. As things stand , Bayern have made an initial enquiry with the player.
The 25-year-old defender has been impressive for Dortmund ever since arriving from Freiburg in 2022. He is also part of the German national team. Barring any injury intervention, Schlotterbeck is expected to be part of Germany’s squad for next summer’s World Cup.
Bayern also have concrete interest in Crystal Palace star
Along with Schlotterbeck, Bayern have also registered interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.The England international was close to joining Liverpool in the summer, but the move fell through on the deadline day.
Guehi has decided against signing a new deal at Crystal Palace. He can talk with interested clubs in January. Bayern have joined the race for the highly rated defender in the Premier League.
Considering the uncertainty around the futures of Upamecano and Kim Min-jae, Bayern may end up exploring moves for Guehi and Schlotterbeck in the same summer transfer window. The next few months will give them more clarity on whether Upamecano will be staying in Munich or leave Bavaria on a free transfer.