Does Lucas Hernandez’s arrival signal the end of Mats Hummels at Bayern Munich?

Ever since Bayern Munich confirmed the signing of French defender Lucas Hernandez from Atletico Madrid, speculation has erupted concerning the club’s existing center backs. While Jerome Boateng is considered as good gone at this point, the future of Mats Hummels is more ambiguous.

An article on Sport1.de sheds some light on the issue by giving us some insight into the defender’s situation at the club. Reading it, you get the impression that Hummels is here to stay. Here’s why:

A good relationship with Niko Kovac

Although Bild often tells us the contrary, Sport1 claims that Hummels has a strong working relationship with coach Niko Kovac. While Niklas Süle was promoted to first defender some time back, Hummels has stamped his authority on the second defensive slot, beating out Jerome Boateng for the position. He has been preferred over Boateng for every big game since the winter break, including the clashes against Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund.

However, Hummels still hasn’t received a clarification from the Bayern bosses about his role moving forward. It’s obvious that the arrival of Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez will put pressure on him going forward, and he has yet to sit down and have a serious discussion with Hoeness and Rummenigge about his future.

Hummels comfortable in Munich

While a potential move to the Premier League, La Liga, or even Juventus in Serie A may be on the cards for Mats, he and his family are comfortable in Munich. A move away from the city is not a pressing matter for them.

In addition, the player’s relationship with the coach has grown even stronger in recent weeks. The two are communicating much more than they did when the club was in crisis back in November.

All that being said, there’s no way of knowing what the future holds for Mats Hummels beyond this season. For now, he is reportedly focused on winning the double with Bayern Munich above all else. That’s the most we can expect at this stage, and hopefully the question of his future next season will be resolved amicably over the summer.