Report: Six Bayern Munich stars set for contract negotiations next spring

According to a new report by Sport Bild, Bayern Munich have a whole host of key players entering the final year of their contract next season, and the club want to begin contract talks in March. With many of these players on the radar of top clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona, the Bavarians will be keen to avoid a repeat of the Toni Kroos fiasco — however, certain players may want out anyway.

Let’s take a look at each case individually:

Manuel Neuer

As team captain and starting goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer’s position seems secure and Sport Bild expects him to get a contract extension until 2023. The Bayern bosses are pleased with his performances and are ready to count on him for the foreseeable future.

While current Schalke keeper Alexander Nubel is considered a potential successor to Neuer, his signing is not a priority at the moment.

BFW Analysis: Sport Bild is probably spot-on about this one. There’s no reason to move on from Manuel Neuer just yet.

Thomas Muller

As an academy player and a native Bavarian, Thomas Muller holds a special spot in the hearts and minds of Bayern Munich fans worldwide. However, there’s a chance that he may not extend his contract and instead look for a transfer in the summer.

Muller reportedly wishes to see how the appointment of the new coach will go before making any new commitments — if Hansi Flick stays on, then der Raumdeuter’s chances of staying in Munich will increase.

BFW Analysis: A Muller departure would likely be very unpopular with the fanbase, but the bosses might see it as necessary if they want to bring in Kai Havertz or some other new attacking midfielder. Seeing him go the way of Schweinsteiger would be tragic, but it’s a real possibility.

Thiago Alcantara

Thiago has been the biggest loser in the coaching change thus far. The Spaniard has seen his playing time plummet after the appointment of Hansi Flick, and is dissatisfied with his situation. He could well imagine a return to Spain — Barcelona might be interested.

BFW Analysis: Despite his torrid run of form this season, Thiago is still one of the best midfielders in the world. Bayern should be looking to do everything possible to extend him, no matter who is the coach at the time. However, if guarantees of playing time become a focal point in the negotiations, things could get very difficult for the club.

David Alaba

Bayern want to offer Alaba a new contract and the Austrian is allegedly open to extending his stay, provided that he receives a pay-rise comparable to other stars like Muller and Neuer. Barca, Real, and other top clubs are definitely interested in his signature, and his agents are reportedly looking at offers. How much of that is a negotiation tactic, we cannot know.

BFW Analysis: GIVE. HIM. ALL. THE. MONIES.

Javi Martinez

According to the report, Javi’s departure in the summer is a strong possibility. He is scheduled for contract talks in the summer.

BFW Analysis: If Bayern Munich can procure a proper replacement at defensive midfield, then Javi’s departure is almost inevitable. When it comes to suitors, his former club Athletic Bilbao should be interested.

Jerome Boateng

Jerome Boateng reportedly wants to leave and has hired a new agent to facilitate a move. He tried to leave last summer but couldn’t find a suitor due to his high wages. A move next summer is very likely.

BFW Analysis: Sport Bild’s probably right on the money about this one too. Boateng seems to want a challenge elsewhere, wherever that may be. Serie A and the Premier League might be potential destinations. Arsenal really could use a decent defender.