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E-mail Xinhua, February 17, 2025
Jamal Musiala seemed amused when discussing his contract extension with Bayern.
The 21-year-old signed a new deal valid until 2030, reportedly including an exit clause worth 175 million euros. Addressing the delay, he offered a simple explanation.
"I had to wait for my mother to return from vacation to sign the new contract," the England-bred midfielder said with a shy smile. "I always wanted to stay as I feel comfortable."
Jamal Musiala (L) of Bayern Munich vies with Vitinha of Paris Saint-Germain during the league phase match between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain at the UEFA Champions League in Munich, Germany, Nov. 26, 2024. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
Following contract renewals for goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and full-back Alphonso Davies, Musiala's commitment was another boost for Bayern ahead of their clash with Leverkusen.
Although Bayern managed only a 0-0 draw, the result did little to dampen their spirits.
Leverkusen dominated the 90 minutes, but Bayern coach Vincent Kompany remained pragmatic.
"Last time, in Munich, it was the other way around. We dominated, Leverkusen went for a robust defensive approach," the 38-year-old former Manchester City defender said.
The contract extensions of Neuer, Davies, and Musiala have reinforced Bayern's sense of stability ahead of their second leg against Celtic in the UEFA Champions League playoffs on Tuesday.
Kompany said he was satisfied with securing a point, though he acknowledged areas for improvement. He praised his team's defensive discipline, saying they followed the match plan well.
With an eight-point lead over second-place Leverkusen, Bayern appears firmly on course for another Bundesliga title. Gone are the days of chasing high-scoring spectacles - pragmatism now takes priority.
Kompany emphasized the importance of long-term planning, with Bayern preparing to face either Leverkusen or Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16.
Statistics favor Bayern against Celtic, as the Bavarians haven't lost a Champions League group-stage home match since 2013 (3-2 vs. Manchester City).
"We have done what we were supposed to do," team leader Joshua Kimmich said after the draw in Leverkusen.
Bayern may not be delivering spectacular performances every week, but their primary objectives - securing the Bundesliga title and advancing in the Champions League - remain on track.
"We have delivered thrilling games, but sometimes it is inevitable to consider the pure results," Kompany said. "We are on the right path."
Beyond their on-field performance, Bayern is also focused on securing Kimmich's contract extension.
"We have shown him what we are up to with him," said board member for sport Max Eberl, adding, "We want to keep him, he wants to stay, otherwise we wouldn't be talking."
Kimmich admitted he is still in a decision-making process, acknowledging that the recent commitments of Davies and Musiala could influence his stance.
