Every season, the goalkeeper position is the source of a soap opera at Bayern Munich. And each time, Manuel Neuer is the central character. It all started in 2020 when the young and ambitious Alexander Nübel arrived in Bavaria. Announced as Neuer’s successor, the doorman quickly understood that the German veteran did not intend to leave him his place. An observation that prompted Nübel to go into exile on the Monaco Rock for two seasons.
Back at Bayern, will the former resident of Schalke 04 try to seize his chance? Nothing is less certain, because the situation is still very vague. Victim of a broken leg last winter, Neuer has not played since December 2022 and the World Cup in Qatar. The player hopes for a quick return to competition, but in all likelihood the 2014 world champion will miss the pre-season, the Asian tour and probably the start of the championship.
Six months later, the puzzle begins again
“I think that the next matches and the German Super Cup (August 12 against Leipzig) are too ambitious goals. We just need time and a little patience.”, has also recently entrusted Thomas Tuchel. A godsend for his linings? Not so sure. Following André Onana’s departure from Manchester United, Yann Sommer wants to leave. The Swiss arrived last January and his status as Neuer’s announced double when the latter returns to competition does not suit him. Ditto visibly pure Alexander Nübel.
Six months after having had to manage the replacement of Neuer in an emergency, Bayern therefore find themselves once again having to find a goalkeeper. But what to do ? Recruit a lining ready to agree to find the bench without batting an eyelid, but whose level is far from a number 1? Sports Picture cites the name of the Spaniard from Brighton, Robert Sanchez. Or make the choice again to enlist a high-standing goalkeeper likely to create tensions once Neuer returns? Sports Picture also evokes the Moroccan from Seville, Yassine Bounou and the Georgian from Valencia, Giorgi Mamardashvili. Problem: the latter does not want to come and play the doubles and it costs no less than 30 M€. The Munich puzzle has only just begun.
