Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has confirmed Paris Saint-Germain have made contact with Jerome Boateng, although the two clubs are yet to formally discuss a deal for the defender.
The Germany international centre-back is contracted to the Bundesliga champions until 2021 but appears set to depart the Allianz Arena ahead of 2018-19.
PSG, now under the guidance of former Borussia Dortmund head coach Thomas Tuchel, have been heavily linked with the 29-year-old, believed to be valued at around €50million by Bayern.
Last week, new Bayern boss Niko Kovac warned Tuchel it would not be easy for PSG to tempt any players away but Rummenigge believes the club would be able to cope with the departure of the World Cup winner. “At the moment there is no direct contact between the clubs,” the CEO said. “But there is contact between his agents and PSG.
“Now we have to wait and see whether at the end of the day we find a basis on which we can agree on a transfer. We have to find a transfer fee that would be acceptable for both.
“In principle, we have enough players at this position, even if Jerome leaves.”
Boateng started his career at Hertha BSC where he developed from the youth ranks to the main team. After his first season at Hertha, he soon signed for Hamburger SV and established himself as an integral part of the team, helping Hamburg reach the two consecutive UEFA Europa League semi-finals. After an unsuccessful season in England with Manchester City, he joined Bayern Munich in 2011 and has since won domestic and European honours with the club, notably the continental treble in the 2012–13 season.
Boateng played in the Germany under-21 side, which won the 2009 Euro U-21 Championship and was soon promoted to the national side. Boateng has since accumulated over 60 caps and represented Germany at UEFA Euro 2012, Euro 2016, 2010 World Cup, and 2014 World Cup, the latter of which he was a key member of his country’s victory. He is the younger half-brother of fellow footballer Kevin-Prince Boateng.
Boateng is valued between €50 million (£44 million) and €60 million (£53 million), though Rummenigge said Bayern and PSG are yet to begin negotiations directly.
Manchester United are also believed to be shopping for a defender this summer, and Kicker (h/t Liam Corless of the Manchester Evening News) reported Boateng is one of those attracting their interest.
Rummenigge’s remarks go slightly against Bayern manager Niko Kovac’s recent comments that Boateng was set to remain at the Allianz Arena, however.
Amid talk of the Germany international leaving the club, Kovac recently told reporters: “I know Jerome quite well and I’m confident that he will stay with Bayern. I know that Thomas [Tuchel] is still looking for one or two good players, maybe he will look at us, but it will not be easy to get our players.”
Bayern have a stocked reserve of talent in central defence with Mats Hummels and Niklas Sule the likely pair to start should Boateng leave. Javi Martinez and youngster Lars Lukas Mai are also options, and Goal’s Ronan Murphy provided an update on the links with Stuttgart and France star Benjamin Pavard.
Boateng doesn’t offer much in terms of resale value as he prepares to turn 30 in September, but United are in need of instant class at centre-back. Not since Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic left the club in 2014 have the Red Devils boasted a world-class presence in the position.