FC Bayern Munich – Serge Gnabry’s future in the shadow of the star trio: like a spare wheel on a tricycle

Some may have found the way FC Bayern publicly communicated Thomas Müller’s contract extension creative, while others may have found it all a bit unclear.

That the club took the trouble to recreate the home-grown child’s former room and placed Müller on a cot in the season’s 1995/96 dress was at least one thing: original. The veteran, who has played in FCB since he was ten years old, signed a new working paper until 2024.

It was the first successful course for the future. After the Müller question has been clarified, Manuel Neuer and Robert Lewandowski, whose contracts (like Müller’s previous contract) also expire in 2023, should now be clarified as soon as possible.

While in Neuer’s case there is optimism that an agreement will be reached in the near future, the situation with the Polish goalkeeper is more difficult. Last week, there was a meeting between club officials and Lewandowski’s adviser Pini Zahavi. According to coach Julian Nagelsmann, the talks were “good”, but everyone knows “that Pini likes to negotiate, and then you have to have a little patience.”

What will become of Lewandowski?

With all the speculation and water level reports, however, one important player is overshadowed by the star trio: Serge Gnabry. His contract is only valid until 2023. While the focus is on the old stars in the media, the bosses are trying to keep him in the background for longer.

According to “Sport Bild”, Gnabry, whose current salary is estimated at around eight million euros a year, should have an offer that would more than double his annual salary. There is talk of a sum between 17 and 19 million euros. He would join the ranks of his two other wingers, Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sané.

Gnabry should complain about lack of appreciation

Bayern are not willing to make an improved offer, instead the club is planning a decision ultimatum for Gnabry. The Munich team is pushing for clarity before the end of the season to avoid another case like David Alaba or Niklas Süle.

However, the club faced a problem. Gnabry has been one of the best players for four years, in 169 competitive matches he has contributed with 63 goals and 40 assists, in the Champions League final tournament 2020 he advanced with a goal in the quarterfinals against FC Barcelona (8: 2) above . all except with his brace against Lyon (3-0) in the semi-finals, he became one of the main characters for the final triumph.

Gnabry in prime of his creative life

Unlike Neuer, Müller and Lewandowski, who still act at the highest level but slowly but surely progress over the years, the 26-year-old Gnabry is in the absolute best of his career. An extension with him would be much more promising than with the experienced triumvirate.

Additionally: The possible search for a successor should be somewhat difficult. Firstly, in the light of the inflated transfer market, Bayern would have to pay a huge amount to get a replacement of appropriate quality, secondly, with Gnabry, FCB has assurance that he will continue to help the team.

No wonder Nagelsmann is also publicly announcing to keep Gnabry. “I have known him for a long time and appreciate him incredibly much as a person, he is so empathetic,” the coach said at the press conference on Friday, adding: “We have to see what time brings. I will definitely keep him. – but unfortunately it is not in my hands. “

From Gnabry’s point of view, an extension would certainly not be a bad move. He plays an important role in a world-class club and he also has a number of good comrades in Bavaria. Apart from the fact that he has the sporting quality to assert himself in Real, for example, a key role with the royal team would not be guaranteed in the first place.

Nagelsmann: Müller’s extension “can draw others with”

However, Nagelsmann does not want to be constantly updated regarding the contract negotiations with Neuer, Lewandowski and Gnabry. “I told Brazzo that I do not always want to know the current status of the development, because as a coach I worry too much,” said the 34-year-old, who sees the fact that Müller has already extended as a good sign: “The extension is very valuable and certainly also a signal to the outside and inside. It is always important when top performances and symbolic figures extend their extension. It can also draw other people along.”

Hopefully Gnabry too. In any case, Bavaria should use all available means to also bind the native of Stuttgart.