Bayern Munich’s goalkeeper search has taken on an extra dimension. According to German media, there are increasing internal doubts about when Manuel Neuer can return under the crossbar and in what state.
Neuer will be sidelined for the rest of the season due to a skiing accident. The 36-year-old goalkeeper himself is aiming for a return in the new season, but according to various German media, the recovery may take longer. Neuer’s broken leg is reportedly more complicated than initially thought. According to Sport1 and Bild, no one within the club dares to count on a quick return from Neuer and there are even doubts whether the captain can ever return to his old level.
It doesn’t make the search for a replacement any easier. According to the same media, Bayern is looking at a keeper who can also replace Neuer in the longer term. That is the reason that a contract is being discussed with Yann Sommer until mid-2025. For the time being, however, Borussia Mönchengladbach will not let the 34-year-old Swiss go. Only when the Bundesliga club itself has found a replacement can Sommer leave. Jonas Omlin (Montpellier) is the intended candidate.
According to Bild, no one from the Bayern club management will openly say that there are doubts whether Neuer will ever return to the level. “It’s a very complicated situation,” trainer Julian Nagelsman said about it during the training camp in Qatar. “Hopefully Manu will return as soon as possible and get well again.” Furthermore, the trainer is relaxed. Even if there is no replacement unexpectedly. With Sven Ulreich (34), Bayern already has one in house. “I trust him.”
Nübel seems to have little interest in an early return
Bayern Munich were unable to secure a temporary replacement for the injured Manuel Neuer. The Bavarians can put an end to the hopes of Yann Sommer.
Bayern saw a suitable emergency connection in 34-year-old Sommer. The Swiss goalkeeper has been a fixture at Borussia Mönchengladbach and the Swiss national team for many years and has a wealth of experience. Die Fohlen, however, refused to cooperate with an early departure from Sommer, who will run out of contract after this season. “We will not let Yann go and have also let Bayern know,” sporting director Roland Virkus said in conversation with Rheinische Post on Saturday.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Bayern is shifting attention to Monaco again. The leader of the Bundesliga has parked Alexander Nübel on the Côte d’Azur. And hopes to bring the goalkeeper back to Munich, but that turns out to be more difficult than expected. Not least because Nübel seems to have little interest in an early return. The 26-year-old keeper knows that a fit Neuer will normally be preferred next season. And has indicated that he does not feel like playing a secondary role.
