Josip Stanišić signs new Bayern deal

Munich-born Stanišić has been on the Bayern books since the age of 17, but spent last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen. The 24-year-old defender made 40 competitive appearances as Xabi Alonso's team dethroned Bayern as Bundesliga champions, won the DFB Cup and reached the UEFA Europa League final.

"We're happy that Josip has signed a long-term contract extension," said Max Eberl, Bayern's board member for sport. "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 Croatia national team, and we’re looking forward to the coming years with him."

After making the the switch from nearby Fürstenfeldbruck in January 2017, Stanišić progressed through Bayern's youth and reserve teams, before being handed his professional debut towards the end of 2020/21 under Hansi Flick. The versatile defender, who can play across the back line but is most comfortable on the right-hand side, twice turned out for Germany's U19s, but opted to represent Croatia at senior level. Since debuting for the 2018 FIFA World Cup runners-up in October 2021, he has won a further 19 caps, including two at UEFA Euro 2024.

"Josip is another example of the youth development at the FC Bayern Campus," commented Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund. "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."

Watch: The best of Josip Stanišić

For his part, Stanišić said: "I'm happy 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."

Bayern begin the new season with a new head coach in Vincent Kompany, and a DFB Cup first-round trip to newly promoted Bundesliga 2 outfit Ulm on 16 August. The 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign kicks off a week later, the fixture list for which will be released on 4 July. The record champions finished third last term, and trophyless for the first time since 2011/12.