Extension stalled: Will Bayern snap up a „Laimer double“ in the summer? | OneFootball

The extension of Konrad Laimer’s contract at FC Bayern is increasingly turning into a hanging game. According to BILD, the Austrian is demanding a future salary of up to 15 million euros per year – almost double his current salary of around eight million euros. Talks between the club and the player are currently on hold.

This is a delicate situation for those responsible at Säbener Straße. Laimer has established himself as an important building block under Vincent Kompany, most recently even as a converted right-back. His running power, aggressive counter-pressing and tactical discipline make him a valuable part of the system. But the financial pain threshold seems to have been reached.

In this context, a familiar name suddenly crops up: Xaver Schlager. The RB Leipzig midfielder will leave the club in the summer, his contract expires. An extension is ruled out. The 27-year-old would therefore be available on a free transfer – a scenario that brings back memories for the record champions. Konrad Laimer also once came to Munich from Leipzig without a transfer fee.

In the „Bayern Insider“ podcast,BILD head of soccer Christian Falk hints with a wink: „I know of a transfer of a player who is not dissimilar.“ The parallels are obvious. Schlager is also regarded as a player with a strong mentality, uncompromising in tackles, extremely strong in running and with international experience.

Not a glamorous name – but strategically interesting

photo: IMAGO

If Laimer is planned as a permanent right-back, there could be a need in central midfield, where Schlager would fit the profile. Robust, press-resistant, with a clear acceptance of his role. Not a player for glamorous headlines, but one for structure and stability.

„It’s not a superstar,“ emphasized Falk. But it is precisely this sober approach that fits in with Munich’s current transfer strategy. After expensive contract extensions and an already tightly calculated budget, a free transfer could make strategic sense.

Of course, Schlager would not really be „free“ either. Signing fee, hand money and salary play a decisive role. Nevertheless, such a deal would preserve financial leeway – especially in comparison to a transfer with a transfer fee in the double-digit millions.

Concrete talks have not yet been confirmed. It is just a thought experiment, an option in the background. But the mere fact that the name is circulating around Bayern shows that preparations are underway at Säbener Straße.

Laimer’s future remains a key factor. If the salary poker continues to falter or the positioning in the squad is rethought, Schlager could suddenly become more than just an alternative.