Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus has said that he understands why his former club would want to get rid of rumoured Tottenham Hotspur target Jerome Boateng.
Boateng has had a resurgence since Hansi Flick took over and played an important role in helping the club retain the Bundesliga title and win their first Champions League title in seven years last season.
Reports first emerged last week that Tottenham were monitoring the German international’s situation with his contract at the Allianz Arena set to run out at the end of this season.
SportBild via (Daily Mail) reported a few days later that the Bundesliga club had decided against offering the 32-year-old a new contract and claimed that he was the subject of a three-way battle between Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal.
The former Manchester City man has denied any knowledge of Spurs’ rumoured approach in an interview to Suddeutsche Zeitung (as relayed by Evening Standard).
Despite Boateng’s improved performances recently, Matthaus admitted it was understandable why Bayern would let the central defender leave given his injury record and the options they have at their disposal.
He told Abendzeitung-Muenchen: “It’s understandable (that they would let Boateng go). FC Bayern is looking ahead. Jerome is prone to injury and has reached a certain age.
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“In the past few years he has often had to take criticism, including from me, and that was justified. But he always behaved professionally and celebrated a great comeback under Hansi Flick.
“There are of course some internal solutions (to replace Boateng). Lucas Hernández, Niklas Sule, Benjamin Pavard and the young Tanguy Nianzou. From what you hear, Nianzou must be a giant, a really great talent.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Boateng certainly seems like a very Jose-kind of singing. He can add plenty to our backline and his leadership qualities and experience of winning the biggest trophies will make him a great addition to the dressing room. However, his injury record is pretty worrying and at 32 years of age, he will be nothing more than a temporary stop-gap.
If he is available on a free transfer, I can see Jose pushing the club to sign him. As we have seen with Thiago Silva’s addition at Chelsea, one cannot underestimate the effect a leader could have on a backline. So, while Boateng might not seem like the most inspiring of additions on paper, I would not as be quick to dismiss this as some Spurs fans have been.
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