Bayern Munich operated smoothly in December to sort out the future of three senior players. Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich signed new deals until 2025 to bring stability to the goalkeeping department over the next 18 months. Thomas Muller followed the two goalkeepers in signing a contract extension until the end of the next season. The German forward was eager to stay at Bayern despite seeing a reduction in game time under Thomas Tuchel this season.
The tougher tests for Bayern lie ahead as they open contract talks with younger players in the squad. The contract renewal of Alphonso Davies could have a difficult round of negotiations since there is significant interest from Real Madrid.
Bayern reportedly had a deal agreed with Davies at the end of last season. However, the departure of Hasan Salihamidzic meant a new round of negotiations was needed with the left-back. As things stand, there is reportedly an impasse in talks with Davies amidst strong interest from Real Madrid.
The Bavarian club faces a critical period with Davies since he has already entered the final 18 months of the current deal. While talking to Bild (via iMiaSanMia), Bayern’s sporting director, Christoph Freund, showed optimism over the prospect of contract renewal for Davies.
""There has been speculation for a long time. Phonzy has a contract with us until 2025. I am convinced that he really enjoys playing for FC Bayern. We would really like him to stay at Bayern longer. We will have talks.""Christoph Freund
Previously, it was reported in Germany that the wage demands from Davies are proving to be the stumbling block in contract negotiations. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have keenly followed Davies’ situation at Die Roten. The Spanish club is laying down the groundwork for a potential deal in the summer.
Bayern have lost quite a few players to Real Madrid in the last decade. Toni Kroos went on to become a legend at the Spanish club when he left Bayern in 2014. David Alaba left Die Roten on a free transfer in 2021 to lift the Champions League title in the following season. The Bavarian club should avoid the hattrick of players joining Real Madrid by securing the future of Davies.
The Bavarian club should look to resolve the future of Davies before the end of the season. Bayern will be in a tricky situation if his contract is not extended before the start of the summer transfer window. They will have to entertain offers for him or risk losing him on a free transfer in 2025.
Apart from Davies, Bayern also have to negotiate new deals for Leroy Sane and Joshua Kimmich. Sane is keen on extending his stay in Munich, while the club also wants to keep the German winger. Kimmich is facing an uncertain future at Bayern amidst interest from Paris Saint-Germain.