Project 2021: The Bayern stars who've signed up, and those who haven't
With Philipp Lahm and Xabi Alonso retiring and a few more first teamers close to hanging up their boots, Bayern have been planning for the future. Thiago is the latest to sign a new deal but there are a few that haven't.
Thiago the latest to commit to Project 2021
With the imminent retirements of Philipp Lahm and Xabi Alonso, Bayern have been frantically extending the contracts of many of their younger players in a strategy known as Project 2021. On Friday, Thiago Alacantra became the latest to put pen to paper. "Everything is going well here, and I want to win a lot of trophies here with FC Bayern in the future,” the Spanish midfielder said.
Coman signs on but doesn't join the club
The day before Thiago put pen to paper, Kingsley Coman inked a permanent deal with the Bundesliga leaders. The Frenchman made his long-term loan deal from Juventus permanent but isn't part of the 21 club, his deal runs until June 2020.
Boateng a key pillar of German future
Jerome Boateng was one of a number of key players to sign a contract extension in December 2015. His signature, and that of other German players is partiuclarly important to the club's identity, according to chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. "Our priority will certainly be Germany and Bavaria," he said six months ago. "I'd rather our future talented players came from Rosenheim than Rio."
Homegrown Müller in the 21 club
Perhaps even more important to the Bayern brand are players that have come through the ranks. With Philipp Lahm's imminent retirement, Thomas Müller and David Alaba will be the only established homegrown players. Müller signed on to 2021 at the same time as Boateng and Alaba is also committed for another four years.
Real rumors persist but Lewa's in for long haul
Arguably the most important of all the members of the 21 club (which also includes Manuel Neuer, Mats Hummels Renato Sanches and Javi Martinez) is Robert Lewandowski. The prolific Pole has long been linked with European champions Real Madrid but signed a new deal at the end of last year, meaning Bayern would at least get a hefty fee if he does go.
Robbery reaching the end?
Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery have defied their aging bodies to hit top form once again this season. Both have remained unusually free of injury to rack up 17 goals and 27 assists between them. But at 33 and 34 respectively, and with both their contracts up in 2018, the wing duo could be the next to ride off in to the sunset - they're certainly unlikely to make 2021.