Bayern Munich star makes contract renewal U-turn after change in agency
Context:
Bayern Munich celebrated a historic Bundesliga title win after Bayer Leverkusen's draw against SC Freiburg, marking the first title under manager Vincent Kompany and Harry Kane's first major trophy. Thomas Muller also achieved his 13th league title, adding emotional weight to the victory as he prepares to leave the club. However, the mood was overshadowed by the news that Leroy Sane, previously set to renew his contract with Bayern, switched to the 11wins agency, now represented by Pini Zahavi, which necessitates restarting contract negotiations. Despite this setback, Bayern president Herbert Hainer remains optimistic about Sane's willingness to stay, while Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen acknowledges Zahavi's challenging negotiation style. Meanwhile, Sane is linked with Arsenal and Liverpool, suggesting a potential Premier League return, as he has been a key player for Bayern with 43 appearances, 13 goals, and four assists this season.
Dive Deeper:
Bayern Munich secured the Bundesliga title thanks to Bayer Leverkusen's draw against SC Freiburg, marking a significant achievement for manager Vincent Kompany and Harry Kane, who won his first major trophy.
Thomas Muller celebrated an emotional 13th league title, preparing to leave the club at the season's end, highlighting the importance of this victory for the team and its veterans.
Leroy Sane's contract renewal with Bayern is now uncertain after he changed agencies to 11wins, represented by super agent Pini Zahavi, requiring negotiations to restart.
The initial contract discussions included Sane accepting a wage cut, which would have freed up funds for Bayern's summer transfers, but Zahavi's involvement has altered the club's strategy.
Despite the complications, Bayern president Herbert Hainer and CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen remain hopeful about retaining Sane, recognizing Zahavi's challenging yet experienced negotiation tactics.
Sane's potential departure is underscored by interest from Arsenal and Liverpool, both of which see value in acquiring him on a free transfer, indicating a possible return to the Premier League.
The German winger has been crucial for Bayern this season, contributing 13 goals and four assists across 43 appearances, underscoring his importance to the team.
Celebrations have unfolded in Bavaria after Bayer Leverkusen drew their latest fixture against SC Freiburg to hand the Bundesliga title to Bayern Munich for the 2024/25 campaign.
It was a historic title for the club in many ways. Firstly, it is their first title under manager Vincent Kompany, whilst also being the first major title for Harry Kane, whose trophy curse comes to an end with this win.
Similarly, it was also an emotional 13th league title for club legend Thomas Muller, who is all set to leave the club at the end of the current season.
However, a report on SPORT1's Stefan Kumberger has dampened the mood at the Bayern camp. The club were on the verge of closing the contract renewal talks with Leroy Sane, and there were reports of the German winger accepting a wage cut.
But now, recent reports suggest that Sane has moved to 11wins agency and will now be represented by super agent Pini Zahavi. Hence, the talks between the club and the player will now have to start from scratch.
Bayern were super confident of getting this contract renewal done, especially after his superlative performance. They couldn't be happier when the German decided to accept a pay cut, helping the club free up funds for the summer transfers. But with Zahavi's entry, the scenario has changed completely.
What did Bayern officials say about Sane's contractual situation?
Despite the change in his agency, Bayern president Herbert Hainer is optimistic about the 29-year-old signing the dotted lines and staying in Bavaria.- "I don't know his motives. We've usually almost always reached an agreement with Zahavi. I'm an optimist by nature. Leroy has said often enough that he wants to stay," Hainer said, as per reports from journalist Maximilian Koch.
Later, Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen also shared his opinion on Sane's contract situation and change of agency. He shared his thoughts about Zahavi as an agent as well.
"Leroy is having a good season. Zahavi is an experienced agent, not always easy to negotiate with. But that's just how it is. We'll see how it goes. Max Eberl is doing an excellent job with Christoph Freund," Dreesen shared.
As per reports, Sane is currently linked with Arsenal and Liverpool and both clubs see a lot of value in bringing the German winger on a free transfer this summer. Therefore a Premier League return cannot be ruled out just yet.
The 29-year-old has featured in 43 appearances for Bayern this season across all competitions, netting 13 goals and bagging four assists.
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