Bayern to release Boateng

Experienced German centre-back Jerome Boateng is highly unlikely to extend his stay at FC Bayern. The 32-year-old has been essential for the Bavarians this season – he hasn’t missed a Bundesliga match, but coach Hansi Flick isn’t letting that influence his decisions going forward – this campaign will be Boateng’s last at Allianz Arena.

Boateng may be still offered to remain at the club as a backup player if he’d be willing to agree to a significant pay cut, but that doesn’t seem like a realistic option. The proven defender probably has a few more years at the top level and he’ll be looking for a club that would be ready to make him a first-team regular.

Bayern are planning to give Tanguy Kouassi a chance to establish himself as a full-fledged first team member despite his glaring lack of experience. The 18-year-old former Paris Saint-Germain starlet is seen as a player who could play at the highest level for many years to come. And Bayern do have an excellent track record in this sort of decisions, so few could really question their judgement.

Besides, it’s no secret that the 2020 Champions League winners are interested in RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano, who could be another future star. At 22, the French international has already made his name as one of Bundesliga’s meanest defenders. His release clause is set to around $40 million, which would be easy for Bayern to match.

Ideally, Bayern’s centre back pairing next season would be Dayot Upamecano and Niklas Sule with Tanguy Kouassi and Lucas Hernandez their alternatives. This means that Boateng, the 2014 World Cup winner, is surplus to requirements.

Jerome Boateng was born in Germany to Ghanaian parents and has started his professional career with Hertha BSC in 2006, for whom he only played 11 games. He then spent three years at Hamburger SV before making a big-money transfer to Manchester City in 2010. He only lasted a year in England without really adjusting to Premier League and Bayern were quick to bring him back to Germany. He won an incredible eight Bundesliga titles and two Champions League crowns for the German giants.

But, Boateng’s journey as a Bayern player is now coming to its end.