This week, the national teams are in the spotlight, offering a few well-deserved days of rest to club members. But behind the scenes, we are already preparing for the longer-term future. Bayern Munich are reportedly working on a plan for their goalkeepers.
In the summer of 2011, the “Rekordmeister” spent several million to afford Manuel Neuer, who had already distinguished himself during his previous seasons at Schalke 04. His arrival turned out to be a masterstroke. The German international has become one of the best goalkeepers of the 21st century in Munich.
Another year for Neuer
Now aged 38, Neuer is still the undisputed number one in the team led by Vincent Kompany. But the German is inevitably approaching the end of his career. As it should be for a major European club such as Bayern, we are already starting to think about his succession at the Allianz Arena.
However, this generational transition will not happen immediately. According to Florian Plettenberg, transfer expert for Sky Sports in Germany, the intention is to extend Neuer’s contract, which is about to expire. If an agreement is reached, the veteran should remain the starter for one more season.
Nübel already ready
From the summer of 2026, Neuer should give way to Alexander Nübel. The latter was recruited by Bayern in 2020 from Schalke, but has since been loaned out. He first played for AS Monaco, and currently keeps goal for German vice-champion VfB Stuttgart.
His loan at Stuttgart ends at the end of next season, after which he is expected to return to Munich to succeed Neuer. However, Nübel will then be almost 30 years old. Bayern would therefore also consider recruiting a promising young goalkeeper, capable of following a similar trajectory.
Meeting with Verbruggen?
For this, the Bavarian club would look at a former protégé of Kompany. Plettenberg mentions an interest in Bart Verbruggen. The Dutchman was recruited by Anderlecht at the instigation of Kompany and his goalkeeping coach, Jelle ten Rouwelaar. Verbruggen, however, only established himself after their departure.
In the summer of 2023, Verbruggen was sold for a nice sum to Brighton. Ultimately, he could make a significant leap in his career. But the current number one of the Netherlands is not the only goalkeeper targeted by Bayern. The club is also closely following Jonas Urbig, 21-year-old goalkeeper of 1.FC Köln.
