Bayern Munich spent the winter transfer window working behind the scenes to lock down key players for the future. Now, we’re starting to see the results. The club kicked things off on Thursday by announcing Serge Gnabry’s new two-year deal. If Gnabry hadn’t signed, he would’ve been out of contract in the summer and free to leave.

He’s clearly happy to stay. This extension means he’ll hit the ten-year mark at Bayern by the end of his new contract—no small feat in modern football.

The past year has been quite a ride for Gnabry. Not long ago, Bayern seemed open to letting him go. They listened to offers in the last two summer windows, but he dug in and fought for his spot. After a quiet season, he came back strong this year, especially during the Hinrunde. When Jamal Musiala was sidelined with a long-term injury, Gnabry filled in at number ten and made a real impact.

Staying in Munich was always his top choice, and as the season unfolded, the club opened the door for an extension. Reports even say he agreed to a pay cut to make it happen.

Gnabry’s not guaranteed to start every match these days. He’s not quite as sharp in front of goal as he once was, but his experience matters—especially in the big games. He can play anywhere across the front line, which gives Vincent Kompany tactical options. Off the pitch, his leadership is just as important. After everything he’s been through, Gnabry’s set an example for the younger players in the squad.

Bayern lost a lot of attacking experience last summer, with Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sane, and Thomas Müller all moving on. Keeping Gnabry just made sense, and his willingness to take a pay cut made the deal even easier for Bayern to seal.

Bayern Munich dropped points again in the Bundesliga, settling for a 2-2 draw against Hamburg up north. Harry Kane and Luis Diaz both found the net for Bayern, who took the lead after Fabio Vieira had put Hamburg ahead with a first-half penalty. But Luka Vuskovic, who was everywhere for the hosts, powered in a header to snatch a well-earned point in a wild game at Volksparkstadion.

Early on, Bayern tried to quiet down the home crowd and pushed hard for the first goal. Still, it was Hamburg who struck first. About 30 minutes in, Nicolai Remberg beat Joshua Kimmich to a loose ball and drew a foul from the German midfielder. Fabio Vieira, on loan from Arsenal, coolly slotted the penalty past Manuel Neuer and into the bottom corner.

Bayern didn’t waste much time. Within ten minutes, Serge Gnabry slipped behind the defence and whipped in a cross. Kimmich’s awkward shot landed at Kane’s feet, and the England captain smashed it home. Kompany threw on Luis Diaz at halftime, and it paid off instantly. Diaz finished off a slick pass from Olise less than a minute after coming on.

Hamburg weren't rattled, though. Just eight minutes into the second half, Vuskovic muscled past Alphonso Davies and hammered in a header from William Mikelbrencis’ cross. Hamburg almost took the lead when Neuer fluffed a clearance, leaving Vieira with an open goal, but Davies raced back to clear it off the line. Bayern pushed for a winner and shouted for a couple of penalties, but the referee wasn’t having it. In the end, both sides walked away with a point.

Standout player? Luka Vuskovic, no question. The Croatian centre-back, on loan from Tottenham, gave Hamburg steel at the back and kept Kane pretty quiet. His equaliser—already his fourth of the season—showed a hunger and skill Spurs have been missing lately.

On the flip side, Vincent Kompany has to take some heat. The Bayern boss did well bringing on Diaz, but you wonder if starting him would’ve made the difference. Bayern had the lead but couldn’t finish the job, and Hamburg deserved their share of the spoils.