The goalkeeping conundrum at Bayern Munich is set to be resolved in the coming days. The Bavarian club had identified Manchester City’s Stefan Ortega as the top target for this role, but the German goalkeeper will not be making a move to Bavaria. Bayern has now switched their attention to a younger player to strengthen the goalkeeping department of the squad.
According to Sky Sport Italia’s Gianluca di Marzio, Bayern are pursuing a deal to sign Maccabi Tel Aviv goalkeeper Daniel Peretz. The Bavarian club has made an offer worth €4.5 million for the 23-year-old goalkeeper.
Sky Sports in Germany and Bild have also confirmed that Bayern are in advanced negotiations to sign Peretz. The Israeli goalkeeper is open to completing a move to Munich. A move for Peretz is likely to be completed in the coming days. He will be joining the squad as a direct replacement for Yann Sommer.
As per Bild, Bayern chiefs decided against pursuing a deal for a new number one after a transfer meeting on Wednesday. The Bavarian club is happy with the performances of Sven Ulreich, so they will look to sign a goalkeeper that can add quality depth to this position. Ulreich will be the number one until Manuel Neuer returns to action.
Been told that FC Bayern is in concrete negotiations with Daniel #Peretz now - confirmed ✔️ Bayern has submitted a concrete offer as per @LucaBendoni! But no final agreements yet.
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 17, 2023
➡️ Peretz should become the No. 2 behind Sven Ulreich.
The 23 y/o from Maccabi Tel Aviv wants to… pic.twitter.com/FdFYEL921Q
Starting the season with Ulreich as number one is a big gamble for Bayern. Ulreich has done a fine job in the absence of Neuer in the past, but it would have been a wise move from the club if they had looked for a goalkeeper that could ultimately become the number one. They have been chasing goalkeepers like David Raya, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Yassine Bounou throughout the summer, so a change in strategy at the end of the window is strange.
There has been growing uncertainty over Neuer’s fitness. It remains to be seen if he will be back to his best after such a serious injury. Moreover, his recovery is taking longer than expected. The Bavarian club was initially expecting Neuer to return for the pre-season training, but he had to undergo surgery to remove metal implants from his leg.
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Ulreich is expected to start in the goal against Werder Bremen on Friday with youngster Tom Ritzy Hulsmann on the bench. It remains to be seen if Bayern will be able to swiftly complete a deal for Peretz. Meanwhile, Manuel Neuer continues to take small steps toward making a return. Bayern are not setting a date for his return as of now.