Bayern Munich currently has one of the best sets of goalkeepers in the first team. Manuel Neuer is showing no signs of slowing down, while Sven Ulreich is a very capable deputy for him. They also have a talented young talent in Alexander Nubel on the books. Nubel is currently enjoying a successful loan spell at Monaco.
The club hierarchy at Bayern had the decision to make in the goalkeeping department since keeping all three goalkeepers satisfied with adequate playing time is difficult. Earlier this year, Die Roten had extended Neuer’s contract. The German shot-stopper is eager to retire at Bayern, but he still has a lot of football in him.
Courtesy of Manuel Neuer being the number one next season, Die Roten will most likely send Alexander Nubel out on loan. He may look for a permanent transfer in 2024 if Neuer remains number one at the club. Meanwhile, Sven Ulreich signed a year-long extension before the World Cup to stay at the club until 2024.
Neuer has been one of the most consistent players for Die Roten over a large sample space. He remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world. While talking to Sky Sports this week (via iMiaSanMia), Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn insisted that Neuer may sign more contract extensions since he is expected to retire late in his career.
"“Manuel continues to deliver top performances, world-class performances and as long as that is the case, he can continue until he is 40. He can still do it after 40. So why shouldn’t we keep renewing his contract?”"
Manuel Neuer has been a consistent presence in the starting XI for Bayern ever since arriving from Schalke in 2011. Barring a season of injuries at the end of last decade, Manuel Neuer has been delivering quality performances for Die Roten.
The 36-year-old goalkeeper has won every possible trophy with Die Roten. He also has a great hunger to achieve more success, so keeping such an ambitious and quality player in the squad until the age of 40 makes sense. The German international also has a big role to play off the field since he is the captain of the first team at Bayern.
Kahn’s comments on Neuer’s longevity casts doubt on Nubel’s long-term future at Bayern. The Bavarian club believes that Nubel can become the long-term successor of Neuer, but the former Schalke goalkeeper is in no mood to wait for his chance at Die Roten. After playing regularly at Monaco for two years, Nubel wants consistent playing time to continue his development.
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From Bayern’s perspective, they cannot rely on Neuer until he decides to retire. They need to have a succession plan in place for one of the best goalkeepers in the world to have a smooth transition after his retirement. In an ideal scenario, Rekordmeister manages to divide playing time equally between Neuer and Nubel in 2024/25.