Bayern Munich have announced the news of Thiago Alcântara's decision to extend his contract at the Allianz Arena. The Spaniard's deal was set to run out in 2017, but a two-year extension has been agreed to take him through until 2019.

Back to full fitness after a serious injury

Thiago joined Bayern back in 2013 from Barcelona and has been a key part of the reigning Bundesliga champions' side while fit. He went through a rough patch no so long ago due to a serious knee injury sustained at the back end of his first season. A year out took it's tool but he bounced back and looked in fine form in the few games he featured in at the end of the previous campaign.

That is also the reason why he has made just just 41 appearances to date, though he was hugely influential while on the pitch and will look to continue that into this term. He has featured in both of Bayern's Bundesliga games so far and with a full pre-season behind him, who knows what the future will hold for the club and player. 

The start of keeping Bayern's new core together

In a small statement on the club website, chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: “We’re delighted Thiago has decided to stay with FC Bayern for the long term, he’s young and an important player for the future of our club.” Bayern beat off competition from some of Europe's top clubs, including Manchester United, to sign the Spanish midfielder and Rummenigge is understandably pleased that he will remain for the foreseeable future.

The club released no specific details on the terms of the contract although Bild, who broke the story late on Wednesday evening, suggest he will earn right million euros a year and a possible one million in add-ons and bonuses. The German publication also hinted that this could be a way to lure Pep Guardiola into signing a new deal and rejecting the supposed advances of Premier League leaders, Manchester City.

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Jonathan Walsh
SoccerSight IFA commentator. VAVEL deputy editor-in-chief/VAVEL Bundesliga editor-in-chief and writer. Email: [email protected]