Bayern Munich are readying for one of the biggest transitions in the club's history next season. With Manuel Neuer bringing his legendary career to an end, Bayern will be putting their trust in 23-year-old Jonas Urbig to be the next long-term goalkeeper at the Allianz Arena.
With Bayern moving towards a younger starter, it's understandable that they are looking to bring in an older, more experienced backup, someone Urbig can continue to learn from and someone they can trust to play now and then when Vincent Kompany wants to give Urbig a rest. The club has drawn up a list of candidates they are keeping their eyes on for next summer, and they have recently added a new name, one who used to be one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League.
As being reported by Sky Germany, Bayern Munich have added Newcastle United outcast Nick Pope to their list of goalkeepers as they look to add an experienced backup to Jonas Urbig for next season. Pope's contract expires at the end of the season and is viewed as a strong candidate given his experience and availability as a free agent.
Bayern's goalkeeper search keeps growing with the latest addition
The former Burnley goalkeeper has seen his role diminish drastically this season, having yet to make an appearance after the arrival of new goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek, with Pope's departure looking inevitable next summer. At 34-years-old Pope is viewed as a strong candidate by many at the club and brings loads of experience, exactly what the club is looking for. He's been capped 10 times for England as well as making 131 appearances for Newcastle, 13 of which came in the Champions League.
The Englishman is still a strong shot-stopper and can play out from the back like Kompany likes to do, and he can provide sufficient cover, while not being relied on to be the starting keeper week in and week out. Pope would be called on to fill the role that Sven Ulreich occupied all these years, with the German also departing the club next summer.
Pope joins a growing list of candidates Bayern are considering, with the likes of Fulham's Bernd Leno and former Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp also being considered.
A switch from St James' Park to the Allianz Arena at 34-years-old would be quite the unexpected career move for the goalkeeper, but when looking at the whole picture, it makes plenty of sense from Bayern's perspective. Bringing in someone with his experience, especially on a free transfer, would be a great move by the club to help their long-term future with Jonas Urbig. Whether or not a move will actually materialize remains unknown, but seeing Bayern keep an eye on the transfer market, even if it's just for a backup goalkeeper, is an assuring sign to the fans that the club means business going forward.
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