The goalkeeping issue remains one of the most sensitive topics at FC Bayern. Manuel Neuer is in the late autumn of his career, Jonas Urbig is seen as a possible heir – and the rumor mill is boiling over accordingly. There is hardly a promising keeper in Europe who has not been at least loosely linked with the record champions
Most recently, the name Bart Verbruggen has been doing the rounds again. The 23-year-old from Brighton & Hove Albion is regarded as a modern goalkeeper with strong build-up play, presence in the penalty area and international experience. A profile that would basically fit Munich’s requirements profile – at least on paper
But how concrete is the track really?
Bayern back Urbig – no external competition
In the BILD podcast Bayern Insider, the topic was taken up – with a clear answer. When asked whether Bayern had their eye on Verbruggen again, BILD reporter Heiko Niedderer made it unmistakably clear: „That is not true.“
Although he conceded that the rumour had been „swirling for some time“ and that Verbruggen was „a super goalkeeper“ and „young“ – in other words, an interesting profile – the decisive factor is the internal trend at FC Bayern, which is apparently heading in a different direction
Niedderer explained: „What we know is that Bayern actually has a clear tendency – if Neuer retires, they want to rely on Jonas Urbig.“ The kicker had also recently reported that Urbig is very clearly positioned internally at FCB as Neuer’s successor. According to the trade journal, the two loan keepers Alexander Nübel and Daniel Peretz do not play a role in the goalkeeping plans at the Isar and are expected to leave the club permanently in the summer
This makes it clear that Munich are not planning an external crown prince with a claim to a regular place, but are relying on an internal solution
According to BILD, Bayern „do not want to bring in a competitor, such as Verbruggen, who also has the clear ambition to be number 1“. Instead, they would „rather go in the direction of perhaps bringing in a number 2“
In plain language, this means that should Neuer actually retire, Urbig should become the clear number 1 – without an expensive challenger breathing down his neck
Another factor is the transfer fee. According to BILD, Brighton are asking „around 60 million“ for Verbruggen. Chelsea are also said to be interested. Sums of this magnitude are not an issue for Bayern in the goalkeeping position.