FC Bayern’s goalkeeper plans for the upcoming season are gaining momentum. The Munich club is looking for a new backup for Jonas Urbig and has its sights set primarily on Finn Dahmen of FC Augsburg. Now, FCA coach Manuel Baum has spoken in detail for the first time about Bayern’s interest in his starting goalkeeper.
Baum made it clear that Augsburg would likely not stand in the way of its starting goalkeeper if he were to make a move to a top club. Especially since Dahmen’s contract expires at the end of the season and, as things stand, the 28-year-old could leave on a free transfer.
“In Augsburg, it’s part of our philosophy to let players who are perhaps performing above average move on,” Baum told BILD.
Baum confirms talks with Dahmen
The fact that Dahmen has proven himself ready for bigger challenges with his performances comes as no surprise to his coach. The goalkeeper is currently even part of the German national team, though he’s listed as the backup goalkeeper.
“If someone is among the best in the Bundesliga, he’s certainly on the radar of the top clubs in the Bundesliga. We’re discussing this internally. Of course, there are talks with Finn.”
However, there are reportedly no concrete negotiations between Dahmen and FC Bayern as of yet. According to BILD, his name has been discussed internally in Munich so far. Dahmen is said to be ahead of Marvin Schwäbe of 1. FC Köln on the list of candidates.
As things stand, Schwäbe would also be available on a free transfer next summer.
Starting spot or the Bayern bench?
For Dahmen himself, the decision could ultimately come down to one fundamental question. In Augsburg, he is the clear number one. At FC Bayern, on the other hand, he would be expected to serve as the backup goalkeeper behind Urbig.
Baum points this out as well: “Finn turns 29 in March. He has to ask himself: Do I want to take a step back into the second string, or do I stay with a Bundesliga club where I’m in the starting lineup?”
The backdrop to Munich’s search is the impending shakeup in goal. According to BILD reports, there are currently strong indications that Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich could both retire this coming summer. Urbig is then expected to step up as the new number one.
The club is therefore looking for a goalkeeper who already has sufficient experience but is not yet at the end of his career. Dahmen fits this profile perfectly.
A decision has not yet been made. However, Baum’s comments suggest that if Dahmen wants to take advantage of the opportunity at FC Bayern, Augsburg appears to be open to a transfer in principle.