Bayern Munich Pass Up Chance To Re-Sign Free Agent Jerome Boateng

Boateng was a free agent after ending a two-year stint with Olympique Lyon this summer.

The 35-year-old had been training with Bayern Munich this past week as the German champions considered signing him as they battled fitness issues with some of their central defenders.

But Thomas Tuchel's side have announced that while the former Manchester City player is welcome to continue using the club's facilities to build up his fitness, he will not be returning to the Allianz Arena for a second stint.

"Jerome Boateng will not return to FC Bayern," a terse statement on the club's website reads.

"The player has been informed. Personnel problems caused all four of our center backs to miss a recent cup tie against Preußen Münster. Jerome Boateng was invited to partake in club training as a result of this."

"In the meantime, however, Dayot Upamecano and Min-Jae Kim can play pain-free. Matthjis de Ligt is also on the road to recovery. The personnel issues in central defense have eased."

"In light of these developments, FC Bayern has decided not to sign Jerome Boateng. 

"At the same time, as a deserving player of the club, he's been offered the opportunity to continue to keep fit with our reserves. Jerome Boateng has proved himself to be in good physical condition."

Boateng previously spent a decade at Bayern Munich, winning among others, nine Bundesliga titles and the UEFA Champions League twice.

Boateng was a member of Germany’s 2014 World Cup winning squad, amassing 76 caps in total.