FC Bayern and Josip Stanišić have extended their contract until 30 June 2029. The Munich-born defender, 24, returns to the German record champions after being on loan at Bayer Leverkusen last season.Max Eberl, FC Bayern board member for sport: “We’re happy that Josip has signed a long-term contract extension. He was born and bred in Munich and already played for FC Bayern as a youngster – I know from my own time what that gives you. Stani knows what matters at FC Bayern. He’s established himself at the highest level at Leverkusen and with the Croatian national team, and we’re looking forward to the coming years with him.”

Christoph Freund, FC Bayern sporting director: “Josip is another example of the youth development at the FC Bayern Campus. The year in Leverkusen was important because he was able to play regularly. Stani has always had to assert himself and is resolute in how he follows his path. He’s someone who gets his rewards for his efforts. You need characters like that in a team. He’s an example of how to assert yourself at FC Bayern.”Josip Stanišić: “I’m pleased to have signed a new contract at my club, FC Bayern. I’ve been a fan of this club for as long as I can remember. I’m grateful to Leverkusen because I learned a lot there – both on and off the pitch. I got to play a lot of games, show what I can do and get into a rhythm. I’ve grown in confidence and I think I’m coming back a better player. My objectives are clear: give everything for FC Bayern and win as many trophies as possible. It’s nice to be back home.”Stanišić joined the FC Bayern U17 team from SC Fürstenfeldbruck in January 2017. Via the youth teams and FC Bayern II, he reached the first team, for whom he’s made 41 appearances in all competitions and scored one goal to date. He’s celebrated three Bundesliga titles with Bayern, won the German Supercup twice and won the third division title with the reserves in 2020. He spent last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, where he was a key player in the double-winning team with 38 appearances and four goals. Stanišić was called up to the Croatian national team in autumn 2021, was included in the World Cup squad a year later and also featured in the EURO in Germany, where Croatia failed to progress to the round of 16. He currently has 20 caps to his nаme.