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It has been quite an interesting season for German powerhouse Bayern Munich. Bad results and reports of player unrest led to Carlo Ancelotti being fired from the Bavarian managerial hot-seat and Jupp Heynckes had to be brought in to stabilise the club.
Results have since improved and with a commanding lead in the Bundesliga and a relatively easy Champions League round of 16 tie, Bayern fans can be optimistic of a good season despite the tough start.
Let us take a look at 5 players currently at Bayern Munich whose contract runs out this year and who clubs all over the world will be looking to snap up as quickly as possible.
#5 Fabian Benko
The young German play-maker has been with the side from Bavaria since he was seven years old, working up the ranks in their youth system. Benko has been on the bench for Bayern in the Champions League and, had he taken to the field against Dinamo Zagreb in December 2015, would have become the club's youngest ever player.
A young talent with a bright future ahead, he looks all set to run down his contract and leave the club in search of more regular first-team opportunities. Wherever he plies his trade next season, it is a certainty that we will be hearing a lot about this young lad's exploits in the future.
#4 Sven Ulreich
With Manuel Neuer out injured for a large chunk of the season, second choice keeper Sven Ulreich has seen more game time than most expected at the start of the season. The 29-year-old former Stuttgart keeper has proven to be an able understudy, helping stabilise a Bayern backline in a turbulent season.
With his best years as a goalkeeper still ahead of him, it remains to be seen whether Ulreich will settle as an understudy again next year or move on when his contract ends in June, 2018.
Judging by his performances this season, he will have quite a few suitors if he decides to move on in search of regular first-team football.
#3 Rafinha
The Brazilian right-back has been with the German giants for seven seasons now, amassing an impressive 220 appearances for the club with a return of 4 goals. His honours with the club include 5 Bundesliga titles, 3 DFB-Pokal titles, 1 Champions League, 1 UEFA Super Cup and one FIFA Club World Cup, an illustrious career by any means.
Now 32, it remains to be seen whether Rafinha decides to stay on for an 8th season at the club. He still remains an important part of the first team squad, having made 13 appearances in the league this season. One thing is certain, wherever he plays next season, that team will be better with him in the squad.
#2 Franck Ribéry
The mercurial French magician that is Franck Ribéry has already spent 11 seasons at Bayern Munich, a proper club legend. During his time at the club, he has won almost everything there is to win in club football including an incredible 7 league titles and the UEFA Champions League in the 2012/13 season.
He has put on the jersey for an impressive 366 times with a return of 112 goals, an even more impressive statistic. Although age may not be on his side, the 34-year-old still has a lot to offer to this Bayern side and it will be a loss for the Bavarians to let him leave for free.
With younger players in the squad, perhaps the old guard could be phased out as Bayern will want to keep their grip on the domestic league.
#1 Arjen Robben
The Dutch winger has been a faithful servant of the club for an astounding 9 seasons and it will be unfortunate if he is not tied down for a 10th season. A winger capable to wrecking havoc from either wing, Robben has the experience of playing in the Premier League, La Liga and the Bundesliga.
Having won everything possible at club level with Bayern, it remains to be seen what Robben considers to be the next challenge in his illustrious career. Now retired from international football and only at 33 years of age, Robben has quite a few seasons left at the highest level in him.
With his experience of having played in different leagues, all teams must relish the prospect of signing a truly world class player for the price of nothing.
