Bayern Munich hand contract extension to returning defender | OneFootball

Bayern Munich have secured the long-term future of right-back Josip Stanisic following a season in which he helped Bayer Leverkusen beat his parent club to the Bundesliga title.

Stanisic had been a fringe player at Bayern since making his senior breakthrough in 2021. The versatile defender joined Leverkusen on loan last summer and made 38 appearances across all competitions as the club completed a domestic double and reached the Europa League final.

The 24-year-old has signed a contract extension until the summer of 2029, which points to a greater role back in Munich, where there have been questions asked over the right-back spot next season as well as doubts over centre-backs Matthijs de Ligt and Dayot Upamecano.

"I'm pleased to have signed a new contract at my club, FC Bayern," Stanisic said.

"I've been a fan of this club for as long as I can remember. I'm grateful to Leverkusen because I learned a lot there – both on and off the pitch. I got to play a lot of games, show what I can do and get into a rhythm. I've grown in confidence and I think I'm coming back a better player.

"My objectives are clear: give everything for FC Bayern and win as many trophies as possible. It's nice to be back home."

Stanisic scored against Bayern while on loan / Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/GettyImages

Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund said: "Josip is another example of the youth development at the FC Bayern Campus. The year in Leverkusen was important because he was able to play regularly. Stani has always had to assert himself and is resolute in how he follows his path.

"He's someone who gets his rewards for his efforts. You need characters like that in a team. He's an example of how to assert yourself at FC Bayern."

"We're happy that Josip has signed a long-term contract extension," director Max Eberl continued. "He was born and bred in Munich and already played for FC Bayern as a youngster – I know from my own time what that gives you.

"Stani knows what matters at FC Bayern. He's established himself at the highest level at Leverkusen and with the Croatian national team, and we're looking forward to the coming years with him."