The time is ticking on the Bayern Munich contract of veteran defender Jerome Boateng, and all signs point to an emotion-tinged departure at the end of the season.
In the modern era Boateng has been synonymous with Bayern and the rise of the German giants, though all good things must come to an end.
That end, it appears, is coming sooner than perhaps Boateng himself may have wished for. The defender recently expressed his willingness to remain in Bavaria and continue to perform under the 'exciting' Hansi Flick.
Reports in Germany however are now strongly pushing the idea that Bayern feel the time is ripe for change, with new defensive personnel on the horizon.