Bayern re-sign Butt, discard Kraft

Goalkeeper Hans-Jorg Butt has re-signed with Bayern Munich for a further year, but the club confirmed Thomas Kraft is on his way out.

Butt’s current contract was set to expire at the end of the season, but the 36-year-old has signed a one-year extension which will keep him at the Allianz Arena until 2012.

It is likely that Butt will be the back-up keeper in new coach Jupp Heynckes’ team, with Bayern expected to sign Schalke’s Germany number one Manuel Neuer during the off season.

“Jorg Butt is a first-class goalkeeper and I am very happy that he will stay with us for another year,” said Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

Kraft on the other hand will be allowed to leave Bayern at the end of the season as the 22-year-old goes in search of more first-team opportunities.

He was replaced in the side by Butt late in the season, and Hertha Berlin has been touted as a possible destination for him next term.

Bayern’s director of sport Christian Nerlinger said: “Thomas Kraft’s goal is to be first-choice goalkeeper and we can’t guarantee that. We wish him all the best for his future.”