Bayer Leverkusen extended their unbeaten run in the Bundesliga to 30 games on Sunday. They are on track to end the campaign without losing a league game. Bayern Munich loanee Josip Stanisic came up with the late equalizer against Borussia Dortmund on matchday 30 to continue this sensational run for Bayer Leverkusen.
After a slow start to the season with Bayer Leverkusen, Stanisic has accumulated a significant amount of game time under Xabi Alonso. He will end the campaign with 2000 minutes on the pitch for Leverkusen. The Croatian has largely played in the right-back position under Alonso. (Stats courtesy: Whoscored)
Along with playing regularly for Bayer Leverkusen, this season will also give Stanisic a taste of winning multiple silverware. Bayer Leverkusen have already won the Bundesliga. They have reached the final of the DFB Pokal, while a clash against AS Roma awaits them in the semi-final of the Europa League.
Bayern will be pleased with the development of Stanisic at Bayer Leverkusen. Stanisic is yet to make a decision regarding his long-term future in Munich. While talking to Sky Sports in Germany, Stanisic admitted that Bayern consider him part of plans for the next season.
"I'm not involved right now, but I've already had a few discussions. They [Bayern] said that I'm an integral part [of their plans]. My mind is still here [in Leverkusen] at the moment and it will stay that way until the end of the season"Josip Stanisic
Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly keen on signing Josip Stanisic permanently from Bayern. The Bavarian club and Stanisic will sit down when he returns to Sabner Strasse in the summer to hold further talks about his future.
Stanisic has significant competition in the right-back position at Bayern. Noussair Mazraoui and Sacha Boey are the senior right-backs in the squad, while Joshua Kimmich and Konrad Laimer have also played in this position this season. If he stays in Munich, the 24-year-old defender will struggle to get consistent game time in this position.
The Croatian defender can also play in the left-back position. There is likely to be an opening in the left-back position next season if Bayern sell Alphonso Davies. However, the Bavarian club have been heavily linked with several left-backs this season.
Moving to Bayer Leverkusen will be a more attractive option for Stanisic. With Xabi Alonso staying at the club next season, he will get adequate playing time to continue his development. Bayern should look to cash in and insert a buy-back or first-refusal clause in the deal for Stanisic. The Bavarian club is planning a squad overhaul in the summer. They will have to sell some players to fund the move for new players.