Bayern Munich linked with FC Schalke goalkeeper Alexander Nubel
Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in signing FC Schalke’s 22-year-old goalkeeper Alexander Nubel.
The summer transfer window is just around the corner, and Bayern Munich are set for a big overhaul of their ageing squad. Die Roten are planning to make some key additions to the spine of the team as a handful of veterans are going to leave the club in summer.
The defensive department has already been upgraded with the signings of Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard. Bayern could also reportedly look for a successor to goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
According to Sport1, Bayern are interested in signing Alexander Nubel from FC Schalke 04. The 22-year-old might not arrive this summer, but Die Roten are keeping a close eye on his contractual developments at Schalke, according to this report. His current deal is set to expire at the end of 2020, and Schalke are desperate to secure his future at the club.
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Nubel has been involved with Schalke’s first team for the past four seasons. However, this season has been the breakthrough one as he has made 17 appearances across all competitions. Schalke have been struggling in the Bundesliga this season, but Nubel has been one of the few bright spots on their otherwise dull season. He is a very good shot-stopper, but his ability to play out from the back is questionable. Age is on his side so that aspect of his game can surely be improved.
Neuer has been a fantastic goalkeeper for Bayern over the past several years, and he still has a lot of time left at the top level. However, after twice suffering serious metatarsal injury, the last two seasons have been a nightmare for the German captain. These injuries effectively kept him out of action for more than a year. The effect of these injuries has been visible on Neuer, who has not been his usual self for either Germany or Bayern ever since completing his recovery.
Sven Ulreich did a fine job in the absence of Neuer last season, and he was eventually rewarded for his consistent performances with a new contract. However, Niko Kovac has stuck with Neuer in the starting lineup for most games this season. The lack of minutes might force Ulreich to look for a new club as he still has few years left in his prime.
Christian Fruchtl is highly rated at Bayern, but he is yet to make an appearance for the first team. The 19-year-old goalkeeper is attracting interest from various Bundesliga clubs, though. Bayern are reportedly ready to send him on loan or sell him with a buyback clause. Fruchtl is a talented goalkeeper, but he currently needs more game time to fulfill his potential.
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The potential departures of Ulreich and Fruchtl might open avenues for Bayern to sign Nubel. He could come in as Neuer’s deputy and eventually replace the Bayern captain as first choice goalkeeper in a couple of years. A new goalkeeper is not a pressing need for Bayern at the moment, but it is essential that they have a plan in line to find the right successor for Manuel Neuer.