Bayern Munich have work to do regarding the contract extensions of several senior players in the coming months. The key contract renewal for Bayern is that of Harry Kane. The England international is arguably the best striker in the world. Die Roten want to do everything possible to extend his contract beyond 2027.
Manuel Neuer is another senior player who needs to sit with Bayern chiefs and sort out his contract. The veteran goalkeeper will turn 40 later this week. However, he has shown no signs of decline. He remains a key player for Bayern and Vincent Kompany.
The record Bundesliga champions are keen on offering a new contract to Neuer. However, the Bavarian club wants a contract extension on new terms. According to SportBild (via iMiaSanMia), Die Roten want Neuer to take a pay cut to sign a new one-year deal. Neuer is currently earning a salary close to €20 million.
Bayern want to trim down their wage bill after handing lucrative deals to several players in the last 12 months. Alphonso Davies, Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich, and Dayot Upamecano signed lucrative contracts to commit their peak years in Munich. It makes sense for them to save money with the contract renewal of Neuer.
Neuer’s decision about his future should arrive in coming weeks
The contract negotiations will begin once Neuer makes a decision about his future. He has always insisted that a decision will be made in April.
There have been reports in Germany suggesting that Neuer may consider hanging up his boots at the end of the ongoing campaign.
Bayern are competing on all fronts. They are in the latter stages of the Champions League and DFB Pokal, while regaining the Bundesliga title should be straightforward since they are nine points clear at the top of the points table. Neuer can bring down the curtains on his glittering career in Bavaria by winning the treble for the third time.
The 39-year-old’s quality has not diminished. He is excellent on the ball and more than a competent shot-stopper. Neuer’s leadership skills are equally crucial, making him an important player of the squad even in the twilight of his career. Despite his quality, playing for more than 20 years has certainly taken a toll on Neuer's body.
For now, the Bavarian faithful will hope Neuer recovers from recent injury setbacks and ends the season strongly. Meanwhile, the club chiefs will hope to get an answer from Neuer in the coming weeks.