Bayern secures key contract extensions

Dec 18, 2015 - 3:01 PM Germany star Thomas Mueller and three team-mates have signed contract extensions at Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich while coach Pep Guardiola suggested that his future beyond the season could be known by Sunday.

Mueller is now committed until 2021 along with Germany defender Jerome Boateng and Spain's Javi Martinez, while Spanish veteran Xabi Alonso will continue until 2017.

The news on Friday came amid growing speculation that Guardiola will leave after the summer expiration of his three-year contract.

The Catalan again revealed nothing at a news conference but said that chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is informed about his future.

"Rummenigge knows everything. Everything!" Guardiola said on Friday.

"We have discussed the issue many times, we will know it the day after tomorrow (Sunday)."

However, it was not clear whether Guardiola was referring to a final meeting with the club leadership the day after Saturday's 2015 finale at Hanover, or the actual announcement.

Guardiola, who came to Munich in 2013, has been linked with several English clubs, with Manchester City seemingly frontrunners.

Italy's Carlo Ancelotti meanwhile appears favoured to take over in Munich.

Regardless of the coaching situation Munich were successful in keeping more key players at the club.

Mueller has spent his entire professional career at Bayern and has reportedly long been sought by English top clubs.

His previous contract was until 2019, Boateng's past deal was until 2018, Martinez' until 2017, and that of the veteran Alonso until 2016.

"We're delighted these important players have made long-term commitments," Rummenigge said, adding that they "know how to win trophies, including the Champions League".

Source: AAP