Bayern Munich will not be re-signing Jerome Boateng following the defender’s spell training with the first team, the club has confirmed.
The 35-year-old, who spent a decade at Bayern before his departure in 2021, was invited to train with the club after an injury to Matthijs de Ligt and fitness doubts over Dayot Upamecano and Min-jae Kim had left them short of centre-back options.
Upamecano and Kim have returned to first-team action while De Ligt is progressing in his recovery and Bayern have subsequently opted to not bring back Boateng, who has been a free agent since departing Lyon in the summer.
A Bayern statement read: “The personnel situation in the centre of defence has eased.
“In light of all aspects, Bayern has now decided not to sign Boateng. At the same time, as a distinguished former player, he has been offered the chance to continue to maintain his fitness at the club. Boateng has presented himself in good physical condition.”
Midfielder Leon Goretzka and right-back Noussair Mazraoui had to play as centre-backs in the DFB Pokal (Germany’s equivalent of the FA Cup) against third division Preussen Munster in the absence of a senior centre-back. De Ligt and Kim have since returned and both played 90 minutes in Bayern’s latest two fixtures against RB Leipzig and Copenhagen.
Boateng was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm to his ex-girlfriend in 2021 but a court in September annulled the verdict and ordered a new trial. He denied all allegations.
GO DEEPER
Explained: The allegations against Jerome Boateng and why he could have returned to Bayern Munich
(Photo: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Get all-access to exclusive stories.
Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.
