Bayern Munich have announced that defender Josip Stanisic has extended his contract at the club until 2029, the defender spent last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen.
When asked about his contract extension, Stanisic said: “I’m pleased to have signed a new contract at my club, FC Bayern. 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 first played a backup role under Julian Nagelsmann at boyhood club Bayern but lost his under Thomas Tuchel. This prompted the Croatian to be sent on loan to Leverkusen last summer. After struggling to break into the starting 11, Stanisic got his chance in the second half of the season and proved an important player for Leverkusen as they went undefeated in the Bundesliga and won the DFB-Pokal. The 24-year-old also scored Leverkusen’s opening goal in their 3-0 win against Bayern.
There had been reports of Leverkusen hoping to keep Stanisic permanently, but this contract extension now puts to an end any speculation on his future.
With the defender returning to the club under a new manager, he now has the chance to regain a place in the squad, with right-back still being a problem area for Bayern. It also means that Bayern will now have three homegrown players in their squad playing important roles with Jamal Musiala and Aleksander Pavlovic also key members.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
