Hansi Flick pushing for David Alaba contract extension, uncertain of Jerome Boateng’s future

In his video press conference previewing Bayern Munich’s massive clash against Borussia Dortmund, Hansi Flick re-iterated how much he wants David Alaba to get a contract extension signed (SportBild). The Austrian has been a focal point of the defensive unit that’s worked so well under Flick, but he’s yet to put pen to paper on a new deal for Bayern.

His performances this season haven’t gone unnoticed and top clubs across Europe have expressed interest in acquiring his services, but that’s something Flick and Bayern want to avoid happening: “It goes without saying that not only we, but also other clubs see things that way. Everyone knows that I want such a player, who was produced at Bayern and played here for several years, to remain a part of FC Bayern Munich. Alaba’s development as a center-back has been outstanding.”

Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Bongarts/Getty Images

Earlier this weekend, Jerome Boateng had come out and said he was still weighing his options for his future. While it looked increasingly likely last season and during the last two transfer windows that he wanted to leave Bayern, he said that he’s open to potentially signing a contract extension. His current contract runs through June 2021, so next season would be the last on his contract, and Flick struck a diplomatic, defensive tone when he was asked about Boateng’s future: “He also is at a certain age. He has to know what he would like to do. He’s a decorated player. Perhaps I’m old-fashioned in that regard [defending a player of Boateng’s age].”

It’s difficult to tell exactly what Flick was alluding to with his comments, but it seems that he would welcome a contract extension for Boateng if that’s what he wants to do. When he was speaking about his future, Boateng himself said that he’s always being will to put his head down and fight for his place even when the support isn’t 100% there, as was the case under Niko Kovac, which is when the transfer rumors were increasingly heightened.

The back four of Alphonso Davies, Alaba, Boateng, and Benjamin Pavard has worked so well for Flick since he’s taken charge of Bayern, but it remains to be seen whether this back four is set in stone for the long term future. Lucas Hernandez has returned from his injury and Niklas Sule isn’t too far off from making his comeback. Of the four starting defenders, Boateng’s spot would arguably be the one most threatened by the presence of a fully fit Hernandez and/or Sule. Even if the support from Flick is there, Boateng may feel that this would be reason enough to look elsewhere.

Photo by A. Hassenstein/Getty Images for FC Bayern