Contract negotiations between Bayern Munich and Konrad Laimer have reached an impasse, with the Austrian international's future at the club now in serious doubt. According to club sporting director Max Eberl, the two parties have so far failed to find common ground on a new deal for the 28-year-old, whose current contract expires in the summer of 2027.
Eberl confirmed the stalemate following Bayern's 3-3 draw with Heidenheim, stating that while there is no ill feeling, there are simply two differing viewpoints. The primary sticking point, as reported by German media, is Laimer's salary demands. The player is understood to be seeking wages of around 15 million euros annually, which would represent a near-doubling of his current estimated salary of eight million euros. Bayern are reportedly unwilling to meet this demand.
Laimer's situation is complicated by his evolving role at the club. Signed on a free transfer from RB Leipzig in 2023, he initially served as a rotation player under Thomas Tuchel, shuffling between right-back and defensive midfield. His status changed under current manager Vincent Kompany, who has installed him as the first-choice right-back following Joshua Kimmich's move into midfield. Kompany values Laimer's pressing intensity, versatility, and work rate, qualities that have made him a regular starter this season.
His former coach, Alexander Zickler, who worked with Laimer at Salzburg and Leipzig, suggested the player may feel undervalued. Speaking to Blickpunkt Sport, Zickler praised Laimer's mentality and fighting spirit, arguing that even top teams need such players. However, Bayern's leadership appears determined to hold a firmer line on wages after recently agreeing to lucrative contract extensions for Alphonso Davies, Dayot Upamecano, and Jamal Musiala. Eberl hinted at the club's stance by noting that Laimer arrived on a free transfer, implying the financial loss from a potential departure would be minimal.
The standoff has alerted other clubs, with reports suggesting Barcelona are among the interested parties. For Bayern, allowing a key player to enter the final year of his contract represents a significant risk, potentially forcing a sale this summer or risking a free departure in 2027. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether a compromise can be reached or if Bayern will seek to capitalise on his market value while they still can.
