FC Bayern started preparing for the hot phase of the season on Tuesday. First up were medical checks and performance diagnostics on Säbener Straße.
However, the absence of captain Manuel Neuer weighs particularly heavily. The Munich number one broke his lower leg during a skiing holiday in early December, which put him out of action for the entire second half of the season. A circumstance that jeopardizes the ambitious goals of Bayern.
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Sven Ulreich, who, with the exception of a one-year HSV interlude (2020/21), has been under contract with FCB since 2015 and has represented Neuer several times in recent years, is apparently not believed to be capable of the long-term replacement role by those responsible – so the search for one is ongoing New deputy currently in full swing.
Slowly but surely, time is of the essence, after all, the new goalkeeper should ideally be part of the Bayern entourage who set off for the six-day training camp in Qatar on Friday. Eurosport takes a close look at the top candidates.
Alexander Nubel (AS Monaco)
Nübel moved to the Isar in the summer of 2020 as a perspective new successor, but never got beyond the role of substitute during his time in the Bavarian state capital. Neuer’s unwillingness to give his potential heir playing time prompted the Paderborn native to flee just a year later.
The former Schalke player joined AS Monaco on loan and immediately became number one in the Principality. Although his loan contract with the Ligue 1 club is valid until the end of the season, Nübel would actually be the most obvious and cheapest option.
Alexander Nübel in the AS Monaco jersey
Fotocredit: Getty Images
He added: “I realized here how important games are. I don’t want to miss that anymore. It makes little sense for me to come back.” Nübel, who had regularly ruled out lining up behind Neuer again in the recent past, went on to explain: “I don’t know how serious Manuel’s injury is. But I think it will start in the summer, at the latest in preparation for the next season he’ll be fit again.”
However, the decision is neither in his nor in Bayern’s hands. Monaco would have to give the green light for a move to Munich. Although the German series champion has a clause with which he can order Nübel back to Germany, this does not apply to the winter transfer window.
According to information from the “kicker”, the AS have so far blocked the first attempts at overtures by Bayern. “You would first have to give the signal that you want to do it,” said Nübel, who added: “I think it will be very difficult.”
Kevin Trapp (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Trapp, who was called up to the German national team’s World Cup squad after his strong performances last season, would be an absolutely top solution, and his commitment would send a clear signal to the veteran Neuer. Because: Trapp would justifiably claim to permanently guard the Munich goal, a player of his stature is by no means willing to play second fiddle.
However, it currently seems unlikely that the Bayern bosses will confront their long-standing support with such a high-quality competitor. In addition, Frankfurt has no interest in letting its audience favorite and top performer go, sports director Markus Krösche was clear about the rumors in the “Wiesbadener Kurier” and declared the speculation as “complete nonsense”.
Kevin Trapp from Eintracht Frankfurt
Fotocredit: Getty Images
Rather, the Hessians are currently trying to extend Trapp’s contract (until 2024, ed.). The former PSG keeper had already impressively underlined his love for Eintracht in the summer and rejected the English record champions Manchester United.
“Yesterday I informed those responsible for both clubs that I had decided on Eintracht,” said Trapp at the time via Instagram. “It’s true that there is a written offer. Manchester United is a world club. I hope everyone can understand that I’m dealing with such an offer and thinking about it,” he said, adding: “I’m with you here Eintracht experienced something unforgettable and we made history together.”
In retrospect, Trapp should have confirmed in his decision that said story, which culminated in qualifying for the Champions League round of 16 after the sensational success in the Europa League.
Yann Sommer (Borussia Moenchengladbach)
The Swiss repeatedly surpassed himself in Gladbach’s dress against Bayern. Most recently, he made the FCB attack desperate at the end of August, and in the end the Foals stole a point from the Allianz Arena (1-1) thanks to his brilliant performance.
It’s no wonder that Bayern’s fright came into focus after Neuer’s injury. Sommer has been playing for Borussia for eight and a half years, and at the age of 34 a change to a top club is quite tempting.
Yann Sommer can imagine moving to Munich
Photo credit: Image
Sommer’s contract expires in the summer, so the winter transfer window would be the last chance to generate a transfer fee for the Swiss. However, finding a suitable replacement could be difficult. After the disappointing pre-season, Gladbach have their eyes on the international places again, and the eleven from the Lower Rhine are currently in eighth place with 22 points.
For Sommer and Bayern, however, an engagement would be a win-win situation, at least in the short term. Sommer could play for three big titles at the same time, the Munich team would have a top-class goalkeeper in their ranks.
But what would the situation be like if Neuer returned after recovering from injury? Would Sommer get a realistic chance to fight for dominance in the box with Neuer or would he have to move on after half a year?
A question that symbolizes the current Bayern dilemma. It remains complicated.
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