On Neuer’s departure: Nübel wants to fight for a regular place at FC Bayern | OneFootball

Manuel Neuer’s future is open – and FC Bayern’s goalkeeping plans depend on it. One thing is clear: Alexander Nübel wants to face the competition if the worst comes to the worst

The most recent international break went almost perfectly for Manuel Neuer. The 40-year-old has healed his torn muscle fibre and is ready to return to action in time for the crucial weeks of the season. At the same time, however, one central question is increasingly coming into focus: what will happen in the summer?

Neuer has not yet made a final decision, but it is clear that a move abroad – as with Thomas Müller, for example – is not an option for him. Instead, it all depends on whether the 2014 world champion trusts his body to continue performing at the top level. Should he decide against an extension, FC Bayern would have to reorganise its goalkeeping hierarchy

Nübel ready for the competition

Alongside Jonas Urbig, Alexander Nübel is at the center of these considerations. The 29-year-old is still tied to FC Bayern until 2030 and is currently on loan to VfB Stuttgart. Internally, Urbig has recently been considered the clear favourite to succeed Neuer – but Nübel could shake up this distribution of roles once again

According to kicker, the goalkeeper is prepared to face direct competition from Urbig, who is seven years younger, should Neuer retire. A return to Munich therefore seems realistic, not only in terms of contract but also in sporting terms

Nübel himself had recently indicated that a comeback to FC Bayern is by no means out of the question. „The chances are relatively high,“ he explained at a DFB press conference, pointing out: „Because I still have a contract in Munich.“

Many unanswered questions in goalkeeper planning

However, the initial situation remains complex. Although Urbig enjoys a high reputation internally and is to be developed into the new number one in the long term, the situation has not been conclusively clarified. It is also striking that, according to a report in the Münchner Abendzeitung, there has been little contact between Bayern managers and Nübel recently

Economic factors also play a role: Nübel earns a salary in the double-digit million range in Munich, which is currently largely borne by FC Bayern. A permanent solution would therefore also have to make financial sense

photo: IMAGO

In addition to Nübel and Urbig, other personnel are also being discussed. Sven Ulreich could continue to be used as an experienced number three, while a new club is being sought for the loaned Daniel Peretz. Young talents such as Leonard Prescott are also being considered

One thing is certain: Neuer’s decision will have far-reaching consequences. Should the long-standing regular goalkeeper end his career, FC Bayern could face an open battle for the future in goal – with Nübel as a serious challenger.