The first international break of the season has been dominated by reports linking Bayern Munich with several goalkeepers. It does look like Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich will be hanging up their boots at the end of the season.
Bayern are counting on Jonas Urbig to be the long-term successor to Manuel Neuer. Urbig has done well ever since arriving from FC Köln 18 months ago. He has been an able deputy of Neuer, confident with his shot stopping and passing out from the back.
However, Bayern will need a solid backup for Urbig, someone who can step in between the posts when needed. The record Bundesliga champions have been linked with a couple of Bundesliga goalkeepers in the last few days.
Bild has now reported that Bayern have Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno on their shortlist for next summer. The German goalkeeper has a contract until 2027 at Craven Cottage, but Fulham have the unilateral option to extend it until 2028.
Leno is open to a move to Bayern
TZ has also reported on Bayern's interest in Bernd Leno. The 34-year-old is open to joining a club of Bayern's size in the final years of his career. Fulham do have the option to extend his contract, but Leno will hope that the London-based club will open the doors for a free transfer if Bayern make their interest concrete.
Leno has been a fine goalkeeper for Fulham ever since arriving from Arsenal in 2022. He has made more than 100 appearances in the Premier League for Fulham. The German will hope Fulham can grant his wish for a free transfer considering the fact he has been a great servant for the club. Bayern are likely to be interested in a free transfer instead of paying a fee for Leno.
Leno ticks all boxes as a number two for Bayern
Leno was tipped to become a top goalkeeper after delivering promising performances in the first team at VfB Stuttgart. He eventually earned a big move to Arsenal in 2018. He initially started as backup to Petr Cech. Leno went on to make more than 100 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions. He may not have reached the heights he was initially expected, but Leno has been definitely a solid goalkeeper at the Premier League level for several years.
The 34-year-old is a fine shot-stopper, with his latest performance against Manchester United highlighting his ability to step up in big games. He has also earned nine caps for the German national team. From a quality and ablity perspective, Leno is a fine number two option for Bayern.
Leno is also big fan of Jonas Urbig
Bayern will ideally like the new goalkeeper be content with limited playing time and train exceptionally well to help Urbig. Leno has already tipped Urbig to be Neuer's long-term successor for Bayern and Germany. He rates the 23-year-old highly, so Bayern can expect him to support Urbig in all possible ways. Leno is unlikely to be frustrated with limited game time.
Die Roten have also been linked with Augsburg's Finn Danhem. The 28-year-old is set to become a free agent next summer. Unlike Leno, Danhem would like to get consistent playing time to ensure he gets selected for the German national team. Danhem has been part of Jurgen Klopp's German side during the ongoing international break.
Considering all factors, Leno is certainly a very good option for Bayern to fill the number two vacant slot in the squad next summer when Neuer and Ulreich end up leaving the club.
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