Bayern Munich working to resolve Konrad Laimer contract stalemate amid salary gap

Bayern Munich working to resolve Konrad Laimer contract stalemate amid salary gap

Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has admitted the club remains locked in difficult contract talks with Konrad Laimer, with negotiations currently stalled over differing expectations on a new deal.

Despite uncertainty surrounding the Austria international's future in recent months, Bayern are still eager to keep Laimer after his importance under Vincent Kompany grew significantly this season. The 28-year-old has become one of the squad's most dependable performers thanks to his versatility and relentless work rate.

However, Bayern's attempts to tie him down to an extension have so far failed to produce an agreement.

Speaking after Bayern's Bundesliga victory over Wolfsburg, Eberl confirmed discussions had reached an impasse, although he stressed there was no tension between the two parties.

"There are two positions that don't align at the moment. We want to extend Konni's contract, that's a fact. Now we somehow have to find a way to bridge the gap regarding the expectations," Eberl explained.

"There is absolutely no bad blood."

Laimer joined Bayern in 2023 and remains under contract until 2027, but the club's stricter wage structure has complicated negotiations. Reports in Germany claim the midfielder currently earns around 8-9 million euros per season and is seeking closer to 15 million euros annually in any renewed agreement.

Honorary president Uli Hoeness publicly reinforced Bayern's stance while still praising Laimer's value to the squad.

"Konny is a player I greatly value. He's extremely important for the team, as well as for the club's public image. He works incredibly hard for the team," Hoeness said.

"But he's simply not Maradona. And players like that have to accept that there are limits."

Former Bayern midfielder Toni Kroos has also backed Laimer, arguing that players who perform less glamorous roles are often undervalued financially.

"He is important for the team. He has proven his importance," Kroos said on his podcast.

For now, Bayern remain hopeful a compromise can eventually be reached as they try to balance rewarding key players with maintaining tighter financial discipline.

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