Herbert Hainer has admitted to Kicker that Bayern Munich face an ‘enormous challenge’ to offer Thomas Muller a new contract, amid transfer interest from Everton and Newcastle.
The FCB icon will enter the final year of his existing terms this June, along with teammates Robert Lewandowski and Manuel Neuer. But the economic demands of new deals for elite stars present difficulties for the Bundesliga giants to manage following a global pandemic.
Hainer has stressed to the Allianz Arena icons that Bayern still appreciates them and talks will take place this summer. But the Munich outfit want to focus on on-field topics first, as they look to sweep a 10th straight top-flight title and lift a possible seventh European Cup.
Muller has played an instrumental role in Julian Nagelsmann’s side topping the Bundesliga with a four-point lead over Borussia Dortmund. The 32-year-old has scored seven goals so far and created a further 16. Only Florian Wirtz has also assisted in double figures with 10.
Yet Muller’s contract expiring next year has placed the Bayern Munich maestro on transfer shortlists at Everton and Newcastle. Bild report the Toffees are lining up a summer swoop – should they avoid relegation from the Premier League – after exploring a deal in January.
Bild journalist Christian Falk noted late in the winter transfer market that both Everton and Newcastle wanted to sign Muller. Yet he remained in Bavaria and has helped FCB to reach the Champions League quarter-final after scoring two in their last 16 win over RB Salzburg.
Bayern Munich ‘very relaxed’ over Muller situation amid Everton, Newcastle links
Muller also assisted Bayern’s only effort in their 1-1 draw in Salzburg last month, to help to a four-goal, three-assist European tour so far. With a haul like his, it is no wonder Everton and Newcastle would like to agree a transfer with Bayern Munich for the 110-cap German.
But FCB president Hainer states the Allianz Arena hierarchy remain calm over the 32-year-old maestro’s contractual situation. A situation they will resolve at the end of the season.
“In these times, it is an enormous challenge to maintain the balance between sporting success and economic stability, which has characterised FC Bayern for decades,” he said.
“Due to the enormous financial competition at the top international level, player salaries and transfer fees are in spheres that cover everything other than easy to manage.
“Lewandowski knows that we all appreciate him beyond measure here at FC Bayern. I, too, have expressed my appreciation for him several times. The same applies to Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller, who are also exceptional personalities in the history of FC Bayern.
“We approach the talks with them in a very relaxed manner. There is still enough time and our players know that. Now our entire concentration is on our big sporting goals, the tenth championship in a row and winning the Champions League.”
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