FC Bayern is considering Loris Karius as a possible replacement for Urbig. However, another goalkeeper is the favorite—though one important question remains unanswered.
In its search for an experienced goalkeeper for the upcoming season, FC Bayern is apparently also looking toward Gelsenkirchen. According to Sky, Loris Karius is on Munich’s list of candidates. According to the report, club officials are monitoring his performances at Schalke 04 and see him as a suitable option to back up Jonas Urbig.
The desired profile is clear: The new goalkeeper should bring experience, set a high standard in training, and be able to step in reliably when needed. Karius would meet these requirements. However, he would be slated for the number-two position. Urbig is expected to eventually earn the trust to become the starting goalkeeper.
Bayern have already experienced firsthand this season just how troublesome Karius can be for an opponent. In the scoreless draw at Schalke, he put in a strong performance against Munich and played a decisive role in helping the hosts earn a point. His name thus joins the list of candidates for a position where Bayern has long been exploring various solutions.
Baumann is FC Bayern’s favorite
Currently, however, the preferred solution is someone else: Oliver Baumann. The 36-year-old from TSG Hoffenheim meets Bayern’s expectations with his experience and athletic qualities. Baumann was already among the candidates under discussion as early as the beginning of October. He is now considered the favorite for the role behind Urbig in the coming season.
The key question concerns his own plans. Would Baumann give up his starting spot to spend most of his time on the bench at FC Bayern? Or does he want to continue playing regularly? For him in particular, this is more than just a basic trade-off between playing time and the prospect of winning titles.
Baumann is aiming for the Bundesliga appearance record. He is still about 70 games short of the record. A move to the Munich bench would make this goal considerably more difficult to achieve. His willingness to accept the intended role therefore remains a key factor.
Bernd Leno is likely among the broader pool of candidates as well. According to Sky, the 34-year-old can envision a move to Bayern and would be willing to take a backseat to Urbig. The closer proximity to his home in the Stuttgart area would also be appealing to him. His contract with FC Fulham expires at the end of the season, though the English club holds an option to extend it.
For Bayern, the search is about securing the long-term composition of their goalkeeping staff. The current situation is already providing Urbig with additional playing time: Manuel Neuer is sidelined for the time being after suffering a partial tendon tear in his right foot. However, personnel planning for the upcoming season extends beyond this injury-related change.
Baumann remains the preferred choice, Leno is a candidate, and Karius is another option. In addition to athletic ability, a key factor will be who actually sees his future as the number two behind Urbig.