FC Bayern’s 2-2 draw against VfB Stuttgart showed that record champions Serge Gnabry have to hold on at all costs and, if necessary, sell Leroy Sane. Tanguy Nianzou doubts that he will make the breakthrough. And with the current defense, it will be difficult in the coming year. The theses of the game.
1. Bayern must definitely extend with Gnabry
Three shots on goal, three shot assists, forced to equalize 1-1 (Mavropano’s own goal) and initiated the 2-1 with the penultimate pass. No question: Serge Gnabry was one of the best offensive players at FC Bayern in the 2-2 win over VfB Stuttgart. A contract extension with the national player beyond 2023 is mandatory for the record champions for three reasons.
- Gnabry is not immune to some slacks either, but overall he consistently delivers. He has scored at least ten goals in each of his six Bundesliga seasons so far. He currently has a decent 27 scorer points in 44 competitive games. His 14 Bundesliga goals this year mean a new personal record.
- Gnabry is of elementary importance for the cabin climate. Kimmich, Goretzka, Gnabry, Süle and Sane are considered big buddies. With Süle, a popular member of the gang is already leaving the Borussia Dortmund club at the end of the season. Nobody wants to imagine that Gnabry could also pack his bags in addition to the central defender. “Serge played well today and is an outstanding player. He’s a very important part of our team, much more than a teammate,” enthuses Goretzka when asked SPOX and GOALS. And further: “He has become a good friend over the years. It’s no secret when I tell you that I’ve known him since I was a boy myself. We grew up together. Of course I’m hoping for an extension of him.”
- Sporty AND economically there is hardly any alternative to Gnabry anyway. At every opportunity, the bosses emphasize that they will have to tighten their financial belts in the future. Bayern would have to dig deep into their pockets for successor candidates like Leipzig’s Nkunku or Ajax Amsterdam’s Antony. An extension with Gnabry, also at an absolute top salary, seems cheaper.
According to sports picture FC Bayern Gnabry recently made an improved offer. He should therefore be able to earn 17 to 19 million euros. For comparison: He is currently said to be collecting around eight million euros per season. With the salary increase, he would rise to the top earners around Kingsley Coman (allegedly around 17 million euros) and Sane (allegedly around 20 million euros). Gnabry has not yet accepted the offer.
“We have limits,” says sports director Hasan Salihamidzic when asked about Gnabry’s contract situation. “It’s up to him to decide. The boy is great, I like him very much. I would love to keep him.” However, Bayern did not set a deadline for the right winger, as was the case with David Alaba. Instead, further discussions should follow. Salihamidzic: “Serge has to feel comfortable. We’ve had a lot of talks with him and his management – we’re ready to continue doing that and we’ll do it. Of course we hope that we can do it.”
If the finances are the sticking point at the end, those responsible should think about selling Leroy Sane – in order to keep Gnabry with the funds that are then released. Because unlike Gnabry, Sane no longer appears from his low form, which has been going on for months…
