KEY POINTS

  • Boateng is staying with Bayern for now
  • Flick keeps the faith in Boateng
  • Boateng could still move out next summer

Jerome Boateng was on the verge of moving out of Bayern Munich, that was until he got to talk to Hansi Flick. It appears that both had a heart-to-heart talk, and the German defender has been convinced to stay at Allianz Arena. The 31-year-old was widely believed to be on the move after failing to get opportunities under former coach Niko Kovac. That all changed when Flick came over.

Teams who had expressed interest in the German football player include Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC. With Boateng's contract set to expire next summer, the two teams were looking into the possibility of plucking him from Der FCB. But things took a different turn when Flick gave Boateng the chance to show his skills. The center-fielder did not disappoint and is now a regular fixture for Bayern.

Boateng admitted that he did think about his future before Flick came on board, Wel am Sonntag reported. But since getting the chance to play, everything just changed for him. He feels good playing for the team and says that his focus now is on Bayern and the current season.

"Even before the time with Hansi Flick, I trained well and hard, but I was not allowed to play and never had the chance to get into my rhythm. It is difficult for every player," Boateng said.

Beyond this season, the future of Boateng with Bayern remains unknown. When asked about the German defender, Flick sounded unsure of what the future holds. It appears he is passing the decision-making process of Boateng to himself. He believes that the center-fielder is old enough to know what to do. Though he did not say it directly, Flick seemed open to the idea of handing Boateng a contract extension if he wanted one, SportsBILD reported.

For now, Boateng's focus is on the current season and the next. His future may depend on how well he performs from here on. Bayern seems fine keeping him and there is a possibility that contract talks may happen by the summer or next season.

Like most clubs, Bayern Munich is also having financial troubles. Players have been asked to take pay cuts which Boateng says he is open to the idea.

Jerome Boateng
Jerome Boateng celebrates his winner for Bayern Munich against Manchester City as coach Pep Guardiola looks on. Reuters

"It depends on where the money goes. Generally, I think it is possible," Boateng said.