Bayern Munich teammates go to bat for Jerome Boateng

Of all the players on the Bayern Munich roster, center-back Jerome Boateng was considered one of the most likely to move on this summer. The former Germany international defender did not feature as a regular during the second half of last season and also actively tried to leave the club in the summer of 2018.

Boateng’s circumstances have changed, however, and now many think the 30-year-old will be staying put in Munich. Boateng has had a very solid preseason and his teammates have noticed. Some have even started a grassroots campaign to keep the defender in Bavaria.

Speaking to Bild after the Audi Cup finale, Thomas Müller kicked off the retention efforts:

This Jérôme, who plays soccer like that, does us good! Jérôme looks very fresh. I think he feels good physically with the way he trains and performs. So far, he has also been convincing in games.

Boateng’s defensive mate Niklas Süle also would like to see the veteran stick around:

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Jérôme. I have a lot of fun playing with him.

When asked if he would like to see Boateng stay, Manuel Neuer indicated that he would definitely like to keep the defender in tow, while not naming Boateng directly:

I wish that no player would leave.

After an alleged “falling out” with Niko Kovac, Boateng appeared to be so certain of his departure that he skipped out on the extended celebrations by team after winning both the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal and was also advised to leave the club. Now, however, Bayern just might be the best option for the center-back.

With Süle and new additions Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard seemingly ahead of Boateng on the squad’s depth chart, it will be interesting to see if Boateng will be willing to stick around in a reserve role. Clearly, Boateng still has enough ability to be a starter for a big club, but Bayern’s recent youth movement has pointed the team in a new direction.

When it comes to transfer possibilities, Boateng does not have many options per Bild. The outlet has reported that there is “no concrete and interesting offer of another club for Boateng.”

Previously, both Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus were linked with Boateng, but those transfer whispers have gone silent of late.