Josip Stanisic signs long-term contract at Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich have been laying down long-term plans for the squad this summer. Along with signing new players, Bayern are also working on extending the contracts of players who will be part of their long-term plans. Aleksandar Pavlovic recently signed a contract until 2029. Another youth academy graduate followed Pavlovic on Thursday.

Josip Stanisic signed the dotted lines to extend his contract at Bayern until 2029. The Croatian defender will be part of the first-team at Die Roten after a productive loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen. The new contract ends speculation about his future in Munich.

Stanisic made his debut for Bayern under Julian Nagelsmann during the 2021/22 campaign. The Croatian defender’s versatility helped him to get valuable game time under Nagelsmann during two seasons. Thomas Tuchel couldn’t give him assurances over game time last summer, which allowed him to join Bayer Leverkusen on a season-long loan.

The 24-year-old had a slow start at Bayer Leverkusen. He got more playing time as the season progressed. Stanisic ended up playing more than 2000 minutes for Leverkusen across all competitions. He ended the season as a domestic double winner with Bayer Leverkusen. (Stats courtesy: Whoscored)

Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen were eager to sign Stanisic for next season. However, Bayern had no plans to part ways with Stanisic this summer. He will get adequate playing time under Vincent Kompany next season.

Stanisic provides tactical flexibility since he can operate in several defensive positions. He can play in either full-back position. The Croatian international can also play in the heart of defense. He is a perfect utility player to have in the squad. Kompany will likely use him in the full-back positions next season.

With Croatia out of the Euros, Stanisic should be available for the majority of the pre-season. He will be part of the squad that will go to Asia for the pre-season tour. Stanisic will look to make a strong impression during pre-season to get a place in the starting XI at the start of the campaign.

Bayern will look to extend the contracts of Leroy Sane and Jamal Musiala after the Euros. Sane is eager to stay in Munich, but the two parties need to sort out the financial terms of the new contract. Musiala has two years left on his contract, but Die Roten want to secure his future since they want to build the team around him. The top Premier League clubs are keeping a close eye on Musiala’s contract talks at Bayern.