Bayern Munich face goalkeeper dilemma as transfer season heats up
Manuel Neuer of Bayern Munich 7 Feb 2023
Bayern Munich are confronted with a pressing goalkeeper problem that needs urgent resolution.
Bayern Munich are currently facing a pressing issue regarding their goalkeeping situation. Recent reports indicate that Yann Sommer may be leaving the club, as he has reportedly agreed to personal terms with Inter Milan.
It is anticipated that Inter wcould soon approach Bayern to begin negotiations for Sommer's transfer. Additionally, Bayern are also likely to part ways with Alexander Nubel, who has attracted interest from VfB Stuttgart and Leeds United after joining the first-team training at Sabner Strasse this week.
Although Manuel Neuer, the veteran keeper, has been at training on the pitch, it is doubtful that he will be fully fit for the upcoming pre-season tour. If Nubel and Sommer secure moves elsewhere before the team departs for Japan, Sven Ulreich will be the only senior goalkeeper in the pre-season squad.
To ensure they have adequate backup for Neuer, Bayern may need to explore the transfer market. However, the club are not expected to spend heavily on a second-choice goalkeeper. Bayern president Uli Hoeness recently emphasized this point, stating that acquiring an expensive goalkeeper at this stage would not be ideal. The club's focus is for Neuer to remain the number one, and they want to create a comfortable atmosphere without unnecessary pressure.
Several names have been linked to Bayern for the backup goalkeeper position, including Yassine Bounou from Sevilla and Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia. While Mamardashvili may be expensive due to his long-term contract, Bayern see him as a potential successor to Neuer. PSG have also shown interest in Bounou, who would be a more affordable option due to his age and contractual situation.
It is crucial for Bayern, as Bundesliga champions, to plan for the long term and secure a successor to Neuer. Neglecting to invest in a capable second-choice goalkeeper would be short-sighted. Neuer, at 37 years old, may not return to his peak form following a serious leg injury that has kept him sidelined for the past seven months.
Ideally, Bayern should acquire a young goalkeeper like Mamardashvili, who can learn from Neuer over the next few seasons before eventually taking on the number one role. The club and coach Thomas Tuchel should consider sharing playing time between Neuer and the backup goalkeeper to ensure a smooth transition.
Hoeness has approached this matter from a financial perspective, recognizing that a significant budget allocation would be required to acquire a striker, leaving Bayern with limited resources for other positions.
The potential pursuit of Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur, which could involve a substantial fee, further complicates matters as finding a new backup goalkeeper is considered vital.
Uli Hoeneß says he doesn't want to buy an 'expensive goalkeeper' to 'not put pressure on Neuer': "If we were to buy an expensive goalkeeper now, that wouldn't be good. The goal is for Manuel to be #1. We have to do everything to create a comfortable atmosphere without pressure":
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) July 16, 2023
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