Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 12:12 PM• Mart Oude Nijeweeme • Last update: 12:23

The chance that Thomas Müller will make his return to the German national team next summer is becoming more and more plausible. The attacking midfielder of Bayern Munich, who two years ago was told by national coach Joachim Löw that he was no longer welcome at die Mannschaft, may nevertheless play a significant role. BILD reports Tuesday that Löw has even had telephone contact with Müller about a possible return to the national team.

The contact between Löw and Müller is remarkable, as the offensive midfielder was told in March 2019, together with Mats Hummels and Jérôme Boateng, that he was no longer wanted to join the national team. Löw’s decision to no longer include the three was widely criticized in the German media. Low now seems to reconsider that decision. Kicker previously reported that Müller and Hummels would very likely return to the European Championship selection. The name of Boateng has not yet been linked to a return to Germany.

Löw’s decision, who will be leaving the German federation next summer after fifteen years of service, could not be seen in isolation in 2020 from Germany’s shocking 6-0 defeat against Spain in the battle for the Nations League. In addition, the call for the return of experienced forces is getting louder in view of the upcoming European Championship. During the last World Cup qualifying matches with Romania, Iceland and North Macedonia, Müller and Hummels were not yet invited. Löw’s bell comes after UEFA’s decision to expand the national selections with a view to the European Championship from 23 to 26 players.

Müller is a regular base customer in Bayern’s shirt this season under trainer Hansi Flick, who will succeed Löw as national coach after the European Championship. The attacking midfielder has so far scored 15 goals and 18 assists in all competitions. Last weekend, Müller seized the ninth consecutive national title on behalf of Bayern. In January, the hundred-fold international indicated that he would not be available for the Olympic team of Germany. Löw will announce his preliminary European Championship selection on 19 May.