Renewals for Lewandowski, Neuer, Müller ‘high on agenda’ for Bayern

Munich (dpa) – Contract renewals for Bayern Munich stars Robert Lewandowski, Manuel Neuer and Thomas Müller are among the highest short-term priorities for the club, according to chairman Oliver Kahn.

“If it is Manuel Neuer, if it’s Robert Lewandowski, if it’s Thomas Müller – they are all greats of this club, all players involved in the success of the last decade and also the current successes,” Kahn said in a media video interview round on Wednesday.

“It’s self evident that we will go into discussions with all these players, also to discuss what thoughts they have and what they want.

“Of course it’s high up on our agenda in the coming time.”

Kahn, himself a goalkeeping legend, backed current 35-year-old keeper Neuer to play into his 40s.

Reports suggest Neuer, whose current deal runs to 2023, could extend his Bayern stay by two years. Contracts with Müller (32) and world footballer of the year Lewandowski (33) expire at the same time.

Polish striker Lewandowski is “an absolute phenomenon,” said Kahn with his goals acting as an “insurance” for Bayern.

Kahn, who replaced Karl-Heinz Rummenigge as chair in January last year, refused to speculate on whether Borussia Dortmund’s star striker Erling Haaland could be possible replacement for Lewandowski.

One player who is on the way out of Bayern, however, is Germany defender Niklas Süle, Kahn confirmed, after contract negotiations broke down.

Discussions with Süle were drawn out “and we have made him an offer,” said Kahn, but “he has not accepted this offer.”

The 26-year-old centre back Süle joined Bayern from Hoffenheim for 20 million euros (22.6 million dollars). He can leave for free in summer when his contract expires.

Bayern have long been searching for alternatives in the middle of their defence, though Kahn pointed out France’s World Cup winning full backs Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin could move inside.

There are “very many possibilities but it’s quite clear Bayern must always busy itself with players if one leaves us,” said Kahn.

Bayern have been linked to Chelsea duo Antonio Rüdiger and Andreas Christensen, both of whom would be available for free when the season ends.