Bayern Munich took massive strides in getting clarity over the future of the goalkeeping department during last season. They extended the contracts of Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich, while Alexander Nübel signed a deal until 2029 before going out on loan for two seasons at VfB Stuttgart. Despite taking these steps, Bayern are also monitoring a couple of goalkeepers in the market.
According to Sky Sports in Germany, Bayern are following the situation of Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen. The Dutch goalkeeper has been Brighton’s number one this season. He is also the first-choice goalkeeper for the national team.
Along with Verbruggen, Bayern are also keeping a close eye on FC Köln’s Jonas Urbig. They are unlikely to make a move for Verbruggen or Urbig next summer, but they are ones to watch out for in the long run.
Sky Sports also reports that Alexander Nübel remains the prime candidate to succeed Neuer as Bayern’s number one. The Bavarian club reportedly has a break clause in the loan deal with VfB Stuttgart in case they want to bring him back early to replace Neuer. Nübel has steadily developed into a quality goalkeeper over the last three seasons by playing regularly for Monaco and Stuttgart.
Bayern set to open contract talks with Manuel Neuer later this year
Manuel Neuer has been in decent form for Bayern this season. The 38-year-old had a couple of iffy moments before the international break, but he is still one of the best goalkeepers in Europe. Bayern are open to discussing another contract extension with Neuer.
According to Sky Sports in Germany, Bayern will hold concrete talks over a new deal with Neuer before the end of 2024. The German goalkeeper’s current deal expires at the end of the season. Bayern are likely to offer another one-year contract extension.
🚨🆕 First concrete talks regarding an extension of Manuel #Neuer’s expiring contract at FC Bayern are set to take place this year ✔️
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) October 11, 2024
Meanwhile, Alexander #Nübel, currently on loan in Stuttgart until 2026, is still planned as his successor.
In addition, Bayern are also… pic.twitter.com/hrTyIIKJgC
Neuer is firmly focussed on winning silverware for Bayern after announcing retirement from international football at the start of the season. Despite long-term injury to Marc-André ter Stegen, Neuer is unlikely to come out of retirement for Germany. If he avoids injury setbacks, Neuer can certainly play at the top level, at least until 2026.
Sven Ulreich wants to retire at Bayern. It remains to be seen if Die Roten will offer him another extension. Daniel Peretz is rated highly at Bayern, but he is likely to go out on loan sooner rather than later to get consistent game time. The goalkeeping department is a settled area for Bayern, but the next 12 months will give further clarity about the club’s long-term plans.