Sport Bild Report: Kramaric lukewarm on contract extension, prefers move to Italy
As TSG 1899 Hoffenheim's star striker Andrej Kramaric mulls over his new contract extension, Germany's main sporting tabloid reports that the Croatian attacker's preferred destination is Italy.
Andrej Kramaric is one of three Kraichgauer players who were recently offered contract extensions by the Sinsheim club. Together, central midfielder Dennis Geiger, defensive midfielder Florian Grillitsch, and lead striker Andrej Kramaric represent a combined €66 million in assets. Extending the deal of all three players is imperative lest the club risk lose the trio on expiring contracts next summer.
In the case of Kramaric, a rising star coming off a 25-goal-haul across all competitions this season, a €28 million market value is only likely to increase during this summer's European Championships. The 29-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Bayern München last autumn.
Widely assumed to be the rightful heir of Croatian great Mario Mandzukic, Kramaric is said to be pondering a similar club career trajectory as the center-forward he replaced on the Croat national team. Germany's Sport Bild reports that the Zagreb native does not find Hoffenheim's offer attractive.
The tabloid claims that the Bundesliga side's extension provides a €5 million base salary, but the performance bonuses are slim. The newspaper further notes that the striker wishes to move to the Serie A, possibly to Juventus, where Mandzukic played. AC Milan, Inter, and AS Roma are also interested.
Kramaric will obviously treat the coming Euros as a chance to showcase his potential. The Vatrenti begin their Euro 2020 journey with re-match of the 2018 World Cup semi-finals against England in Sunday's early kickoff.