Bayern to make decision on veterans Robben and Ribery soon

According to Sport Bild, the fate of Bayern Munich veterans Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, Rafinha, and Sven Ulreich will be dealt with shortly. The contracts for all four players will expire on June 30th and each has a unique set of circumstances that will determine his fate.

The fate of Robbery

Per the Sport Bild report, the club would be interested in extending Robben for another year if his health remains stable. At this stage of his career, it seems that Robben would probably accept a secondary role in Munich, while mentoring next-generation wingers like Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry, assuming Gnabry returns from his loan stint in Hoffenheim this summer.

Ribery’s health does not appear as great a concern as Robben’s fitness, but Ribery’s willingness to accept a reduced role is paramount. With Coman’s emergence this season, the time to pass the torch has arrived. While Ribery’s veteran guile and experience could be valuable, the club appears to be willing to extend the Frenchman only if he can see the sun is setting on his career and comes to terms with that fact.

Ulreich at home but Rafinha homeward bound?

Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images

Ulreich and Rafinha, meanwhile, each hold a different scenario than their aforementioned teammates. Per the report, Ulreich is comfortable in Munich, wants to stay in Germany, and is likely to remain even if that means another contract as the backup to Manuel Neuer. Rafinha’s decision ultimately comes down to his desire to maintain his current role in Munich against how much he misses his family in Brazil.

Ultimately, the club will look to make these decisions in the coming weeks in an effort to have a clear view of roster options for next season.