Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Juventus.
There were few eyebrows raised when Bayern Munich decided to sign Alexander Nubel from Schalke. The 23-year-old German goalkeeper is set to join Die Roten in summer when his contract with Schalke expires.
This transfer is more intriguing due to the presence of Manuel Neuer at Bayern. The German international has been the main man for Die Roten in goal for the past nine years. He has struggled with injuries from 2016 to 2017 but returned to his best form last year.
Neuer’s agent made controversial comments in summer that Die Roten is no longer Europe’s elite club. The German goalkeeper didn’t support this comment but insisted that he remains hungry to achieve success with club and country. Nubel’s signing will further put the spotlight on Neuer’s future at Bayern.
According to France Football, Juventus is keeping a close eye on Neuer’s situation at Bayern. The Italian giants will be open to signing him if he decides to leave Bavaria anytime soon. This report insists that Neuer is now hesitating to extend his contract with Die Roten due to Nubel’s transfer.
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Bayern Munich had reportedly held positive discussions with Neuer’s representatives regarding a contract renewal. His current contract is set to expire in 2021, and the extension is likely to stretch it till 2023. Nubel’s arrival may force Neuer’s representatives to redefine the contract talks and outline new terms of the new deal.
Despite Nubel’s arrival, Neuer has a future at Bayern. He is likely to play the majority of games in the next 18 months. The 33-year-old shot-stopper needs to understand that his playing time will gradually decrease with time. Apart from his contribution on the pitch, Neuer’s presence will be even more pivotal in the dressing room.
Nubel will also learn a lot while training with Neuer. There have been reports in Germany suggesting that Die Roten has promised at least 15 games next season across all competitions. The new coach and Bayern need to find a way to keep both goalkeepers happy by being smart with their game time.
I will be very surprised if Bayern decides to part ways with Neuer in summer. If he decides against extending his contract, then Die Roten will most likely allow him to walk away at the end of his contract. Signing Nubel was a step in the right direction as Rekordmeister has paid the price for lack of replacements for older players in the future. However, Nubel’s arrival doesn’t mean that Neuer’s time in Bavaria is coming to an end.