Bayern Munich is beginning to plan for a major change in its goalkeeping department, with Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich both potentially heading toward retirement at the end of the season.
According to Kicker’s Frank Linkesch (via @iMiaSanMia), Bayern Munich plans to hold talks with both goalkeepers about their futures during either the November international break or the winter break. The current expectation is that both Neuer and Ulreich will retire when the season concludes.
If that happens, Jonas
Urbig is expected to take over as Bayern Munich’s clear No. 1 next season. The club is already looking at options for a goalkeeper to serve as Urbig’s backup.
Bayern Munich has established a specific profile for the position: the new No. 2 should be experienced, comfortable accepting a backup role, relatively inexpensive to sign, and capable of contributing with his feet. That last requirement is particularly important under Vincent Kompany, who expects his goalkeepers to be comfortable in possession, even during training.
No goalkeeper has been approached at this stage, but FC Augsburg’s Finn Dahmen, Fulham’s Bernd Leno, and Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann are among the names being discussed internally. While Leno and Baumann are older veterans, Dahmen is still just 28 years old and may be more inclined to remain a No. 1 goalkeeper with FC Augsburg.
Bayern Munich is also taking its time with the No. 3 position, which could ultimately be filled by an academy goalkeeper or an external signee.
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