Bayern Munich has made it an annual tradition to try and force out an aging veteran with a bloated salary that is past their prime. The player responds in kind with a career renaissance to stay at the club. During the 2024/25 campaign, that player was Leon Goretzka. This year, Serge Gnabry is the target.
Gnabry has become Vincent Kompany’s go-to player at the number ten position. Gnabry has started every game this season for club and country, which the exception of the Round of 64 match against SV
Wehen Wiesbaden when Kompany was forced to bring on some star players in the second half to secure the win over the third division side.
According to Stefan Kumberger (via @iMiaSanMia), Bayern’s management team is pleased with Gnabry but are unwilling to make an extension offer.
Before engaging in contract talks, Bayern are waiting to see whether Serge Gnabry can keep his current form up or whether he will have a dip in form again in winter like in previous years. They’ll be watching him very closely. The situation is similar to Leroy Sané’s, where Bayern waited for a long time before opening talks with the player. Moreover, Gnabry earns a high salary, which the club’s bosses would actually like to save. It’s safe to assume that Jamal Musiala will return to the number 10 position as soon as he’s fit. Gnabry must therefore make the most of the current situation to recommend himself for a new deal.
By next summer, Gnabry will turn 31 years old and will have already been relegated to the bench by superstar Jamal Musiala. Upon Musiala’s return, Gnabry will most likely be used to spell the other attackers. Just like Leroy Sané, Bayern will be unwilling to extend his current €15M salary. The club will likely offer Gnabry a one-year extension in the €5M range. If Gnabry can find a better offer elsewhere, this will be his eighth and final season in Munich.
