Among the most loyal Bundesliga professionals
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Maximilian Arnold has been a member of the VfL Wolfsburg professional squad for almost 14 years; only three Bundesliga players have been with their club longer. With 455 appearances, the 31-year-old midfielder is Wolves’ record player and has been captain for years. In the coming weeks it could also be decided whether Arnold will become a so-called “one-club man”, i.e. spend his career at a single club, or move again. His contract ends next summer, talks are ongoing – but an agreement has not yet been reached.
“I can’t really say how far away it is. We’re in discussions, but there’s nothing to announce,” Arnold told Kicker. The three-time national player once moved from Dresden to Wolfsburg’s youth team, became a figurehead there and is under the new coach Paul Simonis this season. Most recently, however, Arnold sat on the bench for the first time for 90 minutes; against Stuttgart they suffered their fourth defeat in a row at home, 3-0.
Arnold made it clear about his future: “I want to stay. Everyone has their ideas, there are things that can be discussed and some that cannot be discussed.” According to information from “Sport Bild”, the biggest point of discussion is the running time. Arnold would like to sign for three more years, but Wolfsburg is only offering two seasons so far. “Then you have to try to find a common denominator. I hope we can do that,” said Arnold.
TM community for Arnold to stay at VfL Wolfsburg
If the parties do not reach an agreement, there is a risk of separation – free of charge. According to the magazine, this wouldn’t be a problem for the veteran. After years of good performance, he finally has a market. In the Wolfsburg forum at Transfermarkt the trend is clearly towards extension.
“Until 2028 plus an option for another year, that’s what I would offer him,” writes user “OneEightSeven”. “I’ve written this before: He often comes off worse than he is. The prophet in his own country, etc. I don’t feel that way at all that he’s a holy cow who shouldn’t be criticized. (…) Don’t get me wrong, I’ve often criticized him too, he’s no Andrés Iniesta or Clubs, that’s an open secret. (…) For me, Arnold is untouchable at VfL Wolfsburg because he exemplifies what is missing from many others.”
Arnold is in great shape and is almost never injured. I would bet that his fitness stats are better than many 25 year olds. Until 2028 plus an option for another year, that’s what I would offer him.
I’ve written this before: He often comes off worse than he is. The prophet in his own country, etc.
I don’t feel at all that he is a holy cow who shouldn’t be criticized. I don’t know where this perception comes from among some users. My impression is more that…
