Bayern Munich have a couple of players entering the final year of their contracts at the end of June. Konrad Laimer is one of them. The Austrian has been a key player for Vincent Kompany across two seasons, and Bayern wants to extend his stay in Munich.
The Bavarian club has already held talks with Laimer for a new deal. However, the negotiations for a new contract have reached an impasse due to a difference between Bayern’s new offer and Laimer’s expectations.
The Austrian wants a significant raise on his current salary. He reportedly wants a salary closer to €15 million. However, Bayern have no plans to meet the salary demands of Laimer. He remains happy with life in Munich, and his relationship with the club is cordial despite the disagreement over the new deal.
Bayern chief Max Eberl has already hinted that the club wouldn’t mind losing Laimer on a free transfer, which certainly hints at the club’s strong stance on his salary expectations.
Uli Hoeness, a member of Bayern’s supervisory board, had insisted that players like Laimer should be more realistic with their salary demands. The public comments from Hoeness reportedly didn’t go down well with Laimer, but his intervention may have had a positive impact.
According to Sport1, Hoeness’ intervention in the contract talks with Laimer has helped in setting the expectations with the Austrian midfielder. The contract talks now have a better chance of reaching a positive conclusion.
Laimer has excelled in the right-back position for Bayern under Vincent Kompany. His relentless approach on and off the ball helps Kompany to implement an expansive style of football. Laimer has also improved going forward this season, chipping in with 12 assists across all competitions.
Bayern need to add more depth in the right-back position
Even if Bayern end up extending Laimer’s contract in the next few weeks, they need to strengthen the right-back position during the summer. Laimer is the only natural right-back in the squad as Sacha Boey left Die Roten on loan in January. The French full-back is expected to complete a permanent transfer in the summer.
Joshua Kimmich can play in the right-back position, but Kompany and Bayern prefer him to play in the center of the park. In such a scenario, it is crucial for Bayern to sign an understudy of Laimer.
Die Roten also need a left-back in the summer due to the departure of Raphael Guerreiro and the persistent injury problems for Alphonso Davies.
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