Will Jerome Boateng benefit from David Alaba’s potential departure from Bayern?

Jerome Boateng is only one of a long list of players that have significantly improved ever since Hansi Flick took charge of Bayern Munich. The center-back has been an integral piece of Bayern’s back-line both this season and last season, even when it looked he’d be on his way out of the club towards the end of the 2018/19 campaign under Niko Kovac.

Now, it’s clear that David Alaba’s status is officially in the “uncertain phase.” Alaba could be leaving the club either in the winter or in the summer transfer window as his contract is set to expire at the end on June 30, 2021. Boateng’s contract also expires next June, but with Alaba on his way out, Bayern might need to keep Boateng around for longer than just this season; especially with how well he’s been playing.

Per a new report from Bild, extending Boateng’s contract at Bayern would be a logical and relatively cheap solution from the club’s perspective. The current market value of a contract extension for the two-time treble and one-time World Cup winner would be around €12 million, which is significantly cheaper than going after a marquee center-back signing in the transfer market. What’s also working in Boateng’s favor is the fact that Hansi Flick is a big fan of his and truly believes in his worth to the rest of the squad.

The feeling is also mutual. Speaking to Sport Bild a few months ago, Boateng highlighted how much he felt a renewed sense of opportunity.

“(Flick) is crystal-clear as a person, is totally honest with you,” said Boateng. “But he demands something in return, too. He doesn’t mince his words and tells you what you need to work on. From this moment on, I felt that there was a chance — for me and for the team. This way was proved right with the Triple.”

Photo by SVEN HOPPE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

So far this season, Boateng has started five times in the Bundesliga and once in the DFB-Pokal, but was an unused substitute in both Champions League matches. Now, though, with the injury to Alphonso Davies keeping Lucas Hernandez at left-back, and Niklas Sule’s positive coronavirus test, Boateng will likely be starting both of Bayern’s matches this week.

With his injury history, Boateng be a cause for concern for Bayern’s front office, but renewing his contract still might be the wisest option, especially if there aren’t any feasible options elsewhere in the transfer market. If Boateng continues to perform as well as he has been under Flick, there shouldn’t be any reason not to give him an extension for around €12 million.