German shot-stopper Manuel Neuer is in talks with the German Bundesliga giants, Bayern Munich over a contract extension.
The 35-year-old currently has a contract with the Bavarians until 2023 but is looking to extend it for two more years, until 2025.
Neuer has enjoyed much success individually, with the club, and with the German national team since joining Bayern Munich from Schalke 04 in 2011. His 451 appearances for the German champions places him in 12th position for all-time appearances for the club. By the end of his current contract, he’d have broken into the top 10, displacing Bastian Schweinsteiger who ended his time at the German champions after 500 games.
More time on the sidelines for promising goalkeeper Alexander Nübel
Bayern Munich turned to Schalke 04 again to search for a replacement for Manuel Neuer, who despite his qualities, is closer to retirement. Alexander Nübel joined the Bavarians on June 30, 2020, on a free transfer.
The 6ft 4in goalkeeper, fondly referred to as “Neuer Mark II” by fans made only two appearances in all competitions for the German giants after he joined before being shipped off to French side AS Monaco on a two-year loan spell for playing time.
Nübel, speaking to German news outlet Kicker, praised Manuel Neuer’s abilities and spoke about how much he learnt from the German number 1.
“I learned a lot from Manuel Neuer. His movement, his understanding of the game, the way he interacts with the defenders. I compared the way he reacts to some situations in training to mine, and what I can take from it,” Nübel said.
He also spoke of his desire to play for and succeed at Bayern Munich the same way Manuel Neuer, who, like him, moved from Schalke to Bayern Munich, did.
“I joined Bayern because they presented me with the best career plan. I still have enough time to play games for Bayern.”
Despite the club considering Nübel to be Neuer’s long-term successor, the veteran’s form will only mean that Nübel will have to wait for even longer to get his chance between the sticks for Bayern Munich. Nübel’s loan at AS Monaco, currently coached by former Bayern Munich coach Niko Kovac, lasts till 2023, which is the year Neuer’s current contract ends. But with the news of an extension, it only means that Nübel will be back at the club and on the bench again.
Bayern Munich planning squad meticulously and effectively
Manuel Neuer is not the only Bayern star whose contract is being reviewed. Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka have already signed new long-term contracts back in September, committing most of their playing prime to the club. Talks are also ongoing with Serge Gnabry whose contract expires with Bayern Munich in 2023 as well.
Securing an extension for Neuer, however, not only shows the club’s belief in the 35-year-old but shows how much of a balanced side Bayern Munich are and want to remain.
