Bayern Munich has a big transition on their hands at the end of the season. With Manuel Neuer finally bringing his legendary career to an end, Bayern will be calling on 23-year-old Jonas Urbig to be their next long-term goalkeeper. Given his young age, Bayern are reportedly looking to add an experienced keeper to serve as backup for Urbig, another keeper the youngster can learn from for another year or two. There are a number of options Bayern can look to sign, but they seem to have their eyes on another experienced German keeper, one that would be the perfect backup for Urbig.
As being reported by BILD, Bayern Munich have added Fulham goalkeeper and former German international Bernd Leno to their shortlist of goalkeepers as they look to add an experienced backup to Jonas Urbig next summer once Manuel Neuer retires at the end of the season. Leno would reportedly be open to the move as a return to Germany at this stage in his career would be appealing to the 34-year-old.
Bayern keeping tabs on Bernd Leno to add experience behind Urbig
Leno came through at Stuttgart before moving to Bayer Leverkusen in the 11/12 season and was then signed by Arsenal, where he spent four seasons from 2018-2022, and has been at Fulham for the last four seasons. He's played all 161 games in his time at the London club and has been a strong force in the back, helping guide Fulham to a number of impressive finishes in his time at the club.
His contract comes to an end at the end of the season, and while it does include an option to extend for a further year, Fulham have yet to make up their minds on whether or not to activate that extension, which could play perfectly into Bayern's hands.
At 34-years-old he's in the twilight of his career and is said to be open to the to Munich and wouldn't be averse to a backup role. Leno brings loads of experience from not only his days in the Premier League but his 304 Bundesliga appearances and would be a perfect backup option to bring in to continue to help grow Urbig into the next great Bayern Munich goalkeeper. Leno would also be a solid option to come off the bench to play in some of the matches when Vincent Kompany wants to give his players a rest, as he is a reliable vet the manager can call on and feel safe in his performance.
Bayern still have some time to make their final decision on who to bring in next summer as a number of other options could emerge in the coming months, but with Leno experience, play style, and the fact the he would be a free transfer, he would be a great option to bring to the Allianz Arena for a couple years and would be of great help to Urbig going forward.
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