Everything points to Manuel Neuer continuing longer at Bayern Munich. Joshua Kimmich also seems increasingly inclined to stay longer in southern Germany, where a free transfer previously appeared to be a serious option.
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Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, and Thomas Müller are at pivotal moments in their careers, as their contracts with Bayern Munich near expiration.
Neuer, at 38, remains a crucial figure for the team and shows no indication of stepping away from the game or seeking a new challenge elsewhere. Speaking to the media after Bayern’s 1-0 loss to Borussia Mönchengladbach following the Bundesliga restart, Neuer expressed confidence that a resolution regarding his future would be reached soon. "The club and I are very relaxed about it. A decision will be made soon, and we’re looking forward to it," he stated. This optimism comes after the goalkeeper’s remarkable recovery from a severe skiing accident, which sidelined him for months and raised questions about the longevity of his career. His return to form and fitness has been a relief for Bayern, which continues to rely on his leadership and experience.
Thomas Müller, another Bayern icon at 35, is in a similar position. Although he is no longer an automatic starter, his influence within the squad remains undeniable. Technical director Max Eberl recently reassured fans that contract extension talks with both Neuer and Müller are progressing well. "We’re moving in the right direction," Eberl commented, signaling the club’s intent to retain the veteran duo as they navigate a critical period in their squad’s evolution.
In addition to Neuer and Müller, the futures of key players Alphonso Davies and Joshua Kimmich are also in the spotlight. Bayern Munich is eager to secure clarity on their situations before the decisive months of the season. The winter break provided an opportunity for the club to engage in constructive discussions with all parties involved. Eberl expressed optimism about the negotiations, emphasizing the importance of these players to the club’s future.
Kimmich, in particular, has seen a significant shift in his stance regarding a potential contract extension. After Bayern’s defeat to Gladbach, the 29-year-old midfielder acknowledged that the chances of him staying at Bayern are now "significantly higher than last summer." Back then, Kimmich was heavily linked with high-profile clubs such as Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Liverpool. However, he now appears more inclined to continue his journey with Bayern, citing the sporting aspect as the most critical factor in his decision. "There are many good reasons to extend, but the sporting aspect comes first. Where can I achieve the most success over the next three or four years?" Kimmich explained. The arrival of Vincent Kompany as head coach has also played a role in his renewed optimism. "Things are looking a lot better," he added, highlighting the positive changes brought by the new coaching setup.
Another crucial consideration for Kimmich is the future of his teammates Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala. Davies, the electrifying Canadian left-back, seemed poised to leave Bayern, with Real Madrid frequently mentioned as his next destination. However, recent developments suggest that an agreement for a contract extension is now within reach. Securing Davies’ future would be a significant boost for Bayern, given his immense talent and importance to the team.
As for Musiala, one of Bayern’s brightest young stars, negotiations are ongoing. Eberl recently addressed the situation in an interview with ZDF, acknowledging the perception that progress might be slow. "From the outside, it might look like things have stalled, but internally, we’re calmly doing our work," Eberl explained. He hinted at a positive outcome, adding, "At some point, there will be a surprise." Musiala’s decision will undoubtedly have a substantial impact on Bayern’s long-term plans, as the 20-year-old midfielder is viewed as a cornerstone of the team’s future.
The stakes are high for Bayern Munich as they seek to balance the retention of experienced veterans like Neuer and Müller with the need to secure the futures of their younger stars. With the club entering a critical phase of the season, clarity on these key players’ situations will be essential to maintaining stability and ambition. As negotiations unfold, Bayern fans will hope for positive news that ensures the team remains competitive at the highest level for years to come.
Updated: 11:33, 12 Jan 2025
