Bayern Munich Weighs Goalkeeper Options Amidst Neuer Uncertainty
Munich, Germany - FC Bayern Munich is evaluating potential solutions in goal as the future of longtime captain Manuel Neuer remains unresolved, according to reports. The club is considering both internal adn external options to secure their position between the posts, with decisions perhaps impacting the careers of several current and prospective players.
The uncertainty surrounding Neuer’s career continuation is driving the assessment. Should the 38-year-old retire, Bayern will need to identify a new first-choice goalkeeper, potentially triggering a reshuffling of their current squad.Currently, three main paths are being explored: promoting from within with Jonas Urbig, recalling loanee Alexander Nübel, or pursuing an external signing like AC milan’s Mike Maignan.
Bayern currently possesses a viable internal solution in 22-year-old Jonas Urbig, a former Cologne player. Unlike Alexander Nübel, who publicly expressed frustration over his role as Neuer’s understudy, Urbig has not made similar statements. Nübel, currently on loan to VfB Stuttgart until summer, was signed from Schalke 04 in 2020 as a potential heir apparent, but his future in Munich appears increasingly uncertain if Neuer continues playing. Should Neuer retire, Urbig and Nübel could compete for the starting position, though Nübel reportedly has ”prominent advocates” within the club.
An external option being discussed is Mike Maignan,the 30-year-old France national team goalkeeper and captain of AC Milan. Maignan’s contract with Milan expires next year, and negotiations for an extension have stalled due to his salary demands – he seeks more than the five million euros Milan is currently offering. Bayern’s financial resources would likely not be a barrier to meeting Maignan’s expectations.
Other goalkeepers previously linked to Bayern,including ex-Bayern player Hendrik Bonmann (31) of Ludogorets Rasgrad and Gabriel Brazão (25) of FC Santos,are considered potential backup options,alongside Daniel Peretz (25).
