Bayern Munich not giving up on pursuit of Yann Sommer
The winter transfer window started on a good note for Bayern Munich as they signed Daley Blind on a free transfer to provide quality cover in defense. However, the Bavarian club is yet to find a breakthrough in their pursuit of a new goalkeeper. Die Roten wants to sign a new shot-stopper for the second half of the season after Manuel Neuer broke his leg in December.
In the past few days, Borussia Monchengladbach’s Yann Sommer has emerged as the top target for the window. However, Gladbach’s sporting director Roland Virkus has ruled out Sommer’s departure in January.
The comments from Virkus have not dented Die Roten’s hopes of getting Sommer, but they do face complex negotiations with Gladbach. According to Sport1, Sommer’s move to Bayern is not completely off. Gladbach wants €8 million for the 34-year-old goalkeeper, while Die Roten is offering less than €5 million.
Sport1 is also reporting that chances of recalling Alexander Nubel from Monaco are not completely diminished. The Bavarian club’s first option to replace Neuer in Ruckrunde was Nubel. However, the 26-year-old goalkeeper is unsure about leaving Monaco in January. The French club is also reluctant to part ways with Nubel before the end of his loan spell in June 2023.
Borussia Mönchengladbach sporting director Roland Virkus: "We will not let Yann Sommer go. We have also informed Bayern about that" [@rponline]
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) January 7, 2023
Despite the reluctance of Nubel to return to Bavaria, talks continue between Bayern and Monaco. Die Roten is still pursuing both Sommer and Nubel, but one target is likely to be finalised sooner rather than later.
In an ideal scenario, Nubel will be the ideal solution to the current goalkeeping situation at Bayern. He will get six months to impress Bayern chiefs and eventually compete with Manuel Neuer for the number-one spot next season. However, Bayern will have to assure Nubel that he will get adequate playing time in the next five months to strike a deal with Monaco.
Sommer will add quality to the goalkeeping department, but he will not be a long-term solution for this position. The 34-year-old goalkeeper will have to be content with playing second fiddle to Neuer from next season. In terms of achieving mid-term and long-term squad-building plans, Nubel will be a better option for Bayern.
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Die Roten had initially planned to have the new goalkeeper in place before the squad left for the winter camp in Doha on January 6. However, complex negotiations have delayed the arrival of a new shot-stopper. Hasan Salihamidzic will be hoping to conclude a deal for Nubel/ Sommer before the team returns to Sabner Strasse from Doha next week.