How should Bayern Munich solve Manuel Neuer conundrum?

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MUNICH, GERMANY – AUGUST 28: Hasan Salihamidzic, sporting director of FC Bayern Muenchen talks with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, CEO of FC Bayern Muenchen during a reception of the Bundesliga champion and DFB Cup winner FC Bayern Muenchen at Staatskanzlei on August 28, 2019, in Munich, Germany. (Photo by A. Hassenstein/Getty Images for FC Bayern) /

Verdict

Bayern has adopted a very smart and efficient method of keeping experienced players happy over the years. Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery got one-year extensions in their final couple of seasons, helping them to avoid keeping older players on their books for a long time.

Neuer has been a pivotal player for the past nine seasons. He has been the best goalkeeper in the world for a long time. From being a solid sweeper-keeper, Neuer has also been a match-winner for Die Roten due to his stupendous shot-stopping abilities.

Having said that, Die Roten have paid for their mistakes by sticking with older players for longer than expected. In my opinion, the club should stick with their policy of giving shorter deals to older players. It may look like a disservice to all good things done by Neuer over the years, but this approach will keep Die Roten on the right track for the rebuilding of the squad.

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There is no doubt that Neuer still has a couple of years left at the club, so a two-year contract extension is perfect for him. However, if he is not ready to accept this offer, then the club should allow him to run down his current deal and prepare Nubel to become the first choice option in 2021/22. This would be a bitter end to Neuer’s fabulous stay at the club, but Bayern will reap rewards of this tough decision in the future.