Bayern Munich have bid farewell to “legend” Jerome Boateng as the Tottenham Hotspur target prepares to leave the Allianz Arena on a free transfer, via the club’s official Twitter account.
It’s all change in Bavaria.
Three of the most successful footballers in German football history are heading for the exit, riding off into the sunset alongside treble-winning manager Hansi Flick, striker-turned-coach Miroslav Klose and long-serving assistant Hermann Gerland.
While David Alaba has been lured from the Bundesliga champions by the prospect of a fresh challenge – and an eye-watering contract at Real Madrid – Bayern obviously felt Javi Martinez and Boateng, a pair of 30-something veterans, had little to offer as the club looks to transition towards the high-octane ferocity of Julian Nagelsmann.
Although Martinez’s plans are not yet known, no-one should expect Boateng to swap his studs for slippers just yet.
Even at the age of 32, the nine-time Bundesliga winner remains one of Europe’s finest centre-halves, making 76 appearances in the past two seasons combined.
According to Sky, Tottenham have held talks regarding a return to English football for one-time Manchester City youngster Boateng. Inter Milan have been linked too.
Having said that, it seems unlikely Spurs chairman Daniel Levy – a savvy businessman whose every move is made with profit in mind – would be willing to meet Boateng’s ambitious demands.
The 2018 World champion wants a three-year, £11.5 million contract that would tie him down until the age of 35.
There are also doubts about whether Tottenham is still a realistic destination for Boateng.
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