Bayern Munich stated on Friday that former defender Jerome Boateng will not be returning. Boateng, a free agent, had spent the week practising with the team amid speculations of a possible return owing to defensive injury worries. Bayern had communicated that the center-back will not be handed a new deal.
“The situation has eased” Bayern said in a statement, “(centre-backs) Dayot Upamecano and Min-Jae Kim can now play without pain again, and Matthijs de Ligt is also on the mend.
“Considering all factors, Bayern has decided against re-hiring Jerome Boateng.” it added.
Boateng, 35, played 363 games for Bayern, earning nine Bundesliga crowns and the Champions League in 2013 and 2020. He also helped Germany win the World Cup in 2014.
Jérôme Boateng’s return to Bayern Munich has caused quite a stir across the Rhine. The German defender has been practising with the Bavarian club for many days after his unsuccessful stint with Olympique Lyonnais. Bayern was looking for a defensive player to replace the injured Dayot Upamecano and Min-Jae Kim.
Bayern Munich came under criticism this week for contemplating reintroducing the player. Boateng is presently facing domestic violence charges in court.
Boateng was fined 1.8 million euros ($1.9 million) for activities that occurred in 2018, but his fine was lowered to 1.2 million euros ($1.3 million) on appeal. On Wednesday, Bavaria’s highest court overturned the proceedings and ordered a fresh trial based on the same facts.
Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel claimed on Friday that his team has a “emergency situation in central defence.” “The decision does not only have sporting components,” he said.