Bayern Munich reportedly close to extending Lars Lukas Mai’s contract

Bayern Munich defender Lars Lukas Mai has been heavily linked with a move to relegated Bundesliga side FC Nürnberg during this summer’s transfer window. The 19-year-old has been a pivotal player for Bayern Munich’s reserves back line in Regionalliga Bayern. Despite making two first team appearance in the 2017/2018 season under Jupp Heynckes, he didn’t get any first team minutes last season, though he was an unused substitute on the bench on nine occasions across all competitions.

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Per a new report by Bild, (as transcribed by LigaInsider.net), Bayern are no longer interested in offloading Mai to Nürnberg. Instead, Bayern would rather offer him a contract extension as his current contract with the club is set to expire in the summer of 2021. The report claims that an extension is imminent and Mai is currently valuated at around 2.5 million euros (per transfermarkt). Ultimately, Bayern feel that he would be far better off staying in Munich and playing with the reserves in the 3. Liga and fighting for an eventual spot with the first team in the future than he would be going to the 2. Liga.

The feeling from Bayern is that they see Mai as too important of a figure in the reserve side in the 3. Liga to let him go, despite the increased interest from 2. Liga side, FC Nürnberg. Additionally, they see Mai as being a viable backup defender for Jerome Boateng, Niklas Sule, Lucas Hernandez, and Benjamin Pavard given that his most natural position is center-back.

Mai has already made four appearances for Bayern II in the 3. Liga this season, who’ve gotten off to a rocky start with only one win and three losses. For what it’s worth, too, Mai is currently with the senior squad at their final preseason training camp in Tegernsee along with fellow youngsters Paul Will, Sarpreet Singh, and Kwasi Okyere Wriedt.

Photo by A. Beier/Getty Images for FC Bayern