The future of Josip Stanisic, who has been loaned to Bayer Leverkusen by FC Bayern Munich, appears to be clear. After one season in Leverkusen, the centre-back will probably return to Munich in the summer.
According to Dieter Hoeneß, Stanisic’s advisor, the player’s return to Munich is a done deal. „He will return. He still has a contract until 2026. There is no clause and no purchase option for Bayer Leverkusen, so he will be back at FC Bayern in the summer,“ Hoeneß confirmed to BILD. The lack of a purchase option in Stanisic’s loan contract with Leverkusen makes a return to FC Bayern the logical consequence.
Josip Stanisic, who has played 23 competitive matches for Bayer Leverkusen this season, has established himself as a permanent fixture in the starting eleven after initial difficulties. Under coach Xabi Alonso, the Croatian international has taken on more responsibility since mid-December. Stanisic’s goal against his regular club Bayern Munich on matchday 21 was an emotional moment and could have been a decisive step towards the championship for the Werkself. „Of course it was a strange goal,“ said Stanisic in an interview with Sky. „Even if you’re happy, you also feel sorry because you know how much it annoys you on the other side when you concede a goal.“ Out of respect, Stanisic refrained from celebrating the goal.
Tuchel would like to see England rule
The loan without the clause that Stanisic is not allowed to play against Bayern Munich subsequently caused discussion. After the defeat against Leverkusen, FC Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel spoke out in favour of a rule like the one in England, which prohibits loaned players from playing against their home club. „There’s a nice rule in England: if you loan players out, they can’t play against you. I think that makes the most sense. Unfortunately, this rule doesn’t exist in Germany. That’s why we’re the ones who are suffering today,“ explained Tuchel.
It now appears that Stanisic will be back on the Munich side next season.
