After Hoeneß‘ announcement: Bayern take a hard line on Konrad Laimer | OneFootball

The future of Konrad Laimer at FC Bayern remains open. Although the Austrian is held in high esteem both on a sporting and personal level, the Munich management are uncompromising in the ongoing contract poker. The latest statements by Uli Hoeneß provide a deep insight into the current attitude of the Bayern bosses

With his much-noticed statement „He’s not Maradona!“, Honorary President Uli Hoeneß recently caused a stir in the contract talks with Konrad Laimer. Behind the clear statement is apparently a clear course of action on the part of the Munich management

The Austrian international is held in high esteem internally, with Laimer considered to be extremely team-oriented, a strong runner and versatile. The 28-year-old has established himself on the right side of defence under Vincent Kompany in particular and is now one of the most important players in the Bayern coach’s system

Nevertheless, Bayern apparently see a clear limit when it comes to the financial framework conditions. The current discussion has been triggered by reports about Laimer’s salary demands in the ongoing talks about a contract extension

According to reports, the defensive all-rounder is demanding around 15 million euros per year in future. Laimer is currently said to earn around ten million euros per year including bonus payments – a sum that is already considered high internally at FC Bayern

As reported by kicker, Hoeneß is not the only one to share the critical attitude towards a significant salary increase; the other decision-makers at Säbener Straße are also said to be unwilling to go along with the player’s demands without further ado

Bayern would accept a transfer-free departure

photo: Getty Images

Particularly noteworthy: According to kicker, the Munich club are apparently even considering letting Laimer enter the final year of his contract without extending it, meaning FC Bayern would deliberately take the risk of losing the Austrian on a free transfer later on

The Bayern bosses are apparently assuming that Laimer would first have to find a club of equal sporting value that would also be prepared to meet his financial expectations

This attitude is in line with the club’s current strategic direction: after the costly contract extensions and high salaries of recent years, those responsible are now paying much closer attention to the internal salary structure

Uli Hoeneß in particular has recently emphasized on several occasions that FC Bayern must act in a more economically disciplined manner again. The Laimer personnel case is thus increasingly becoming a symbol of the new austerity measures at Säbener Straße

In sporting terms, a possible departure of the Austrian would nevertheless be painful. Under Kompany, Laimer is one of the most flexible players in the squad and regularly impresses with his intensity, mentality and commitment

It remains to be seen whether the two sides will reach an agreement in the coming months.