BAYERN MUNICH will start the season with a German Super Cup match against RB Leipzig on Saturday, but they have yet to find a first-choice goalkeeper in the transfer market. The German champions are left with experienced 35-year-old Sven Ulreich, who was at times the club’s third choice, in goal for the game against Leipzig. Manuel Neuer, the starting goalkeeper, will miss the start of the season as he recovers from a broken leg. Meanwhile, Alexander Nuebel has moved to VfB Stuttgart, Johannes Schenk is with Preussen Muenster, and Yann Sommer has joined Inter Milan. With no other options available, Bayern finds themselves in a difficult situation.
Germany goalkeeper Neuer broke his leg during a skiing holiday in December, following a disappointing World Cup performance. He recently underwent another surgery to remove metal parts from his leg that were placed during his initial surgery. Although Bayern has stated that his recovery is progressing well, they have not confirmed a return date. It is certain that Neuer will miss several weeks, if not more, of the new Bundesliga campaign starting next week. Previously, it was hoped that he would be fit in time for the new season.
Former footballer and current pundit Dietmar Hamann expressed concerns about Neuer’s return. He said, “It is a great uncertainty if Manuel Neuer can come back. And if he comes back, we do not know in what shape he will come back.” Hamann called on Bayern to sign a starting goalkeeper immediately.
Reports suggest that Bayern has shown interest in several top keepers, including Kepa Arrizabalaga and David de Gea, but there has been little progress so far. Interestingly, Bayern initially sought to reinforce their frontline during the summer transfer window to become contenders for the Champions League. They are currently attempting to sign Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane.
Bayern’s boss now faces the challenge of finding a goalkeeper, which could prove more challenging as the season is just around the corner. The Bavarians are about to launch their bid for an unprecedented 12th straight Bundesliga crown under coach Thomas Tuchel. Despite their goalkeeper dilemma, they remain determined to strengthen their squad and compete for more silverware this season.
(Reporting by Karolos Grohmann, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
Credit: The Star : Sport Feed
