A Pandemic-fueled look into the future for 2020-2021: Bayern Munich's goalkeepers

Chuck Smith
Mar 25, 2020
4 min read

One of the more curious moves that Bayern Munich has made during the course of this season was the long-rumored acquisition of Germany youth national and Schalke 04 goalkeeper Alexander Nubel. Nubel, of course, is considered one of the hottest goalkeeper prospects in all of Europe, but it is fair to ask if Bayern Munich jumped the gun given that Manuel Neuer has been tremendous this season, Sven Ulreich has proven to be a reliable back-up, and the youth system already has a quality prospect of its own in Christian Fruchtl.

Sure, there have also been some odd (and since FLEXXXXXXED out) Marc-Andre Ter Stegen rumors, but nothing about that situation seems real right now. So enough beating around the bush, let's get to it.

Potential Exits

Manuel Neuer

Much like fellow club legends Thomas Muller and David Alaba, Neuer is in the midst of trying to work out a new deal with the club. After a few injury-plagued seasons, Neuer has been pretty terrific overall. More, his presence allows the team in front of him to play so much more confidently than other squads can. If anything, this was the exact kind of effort that Neuer needed to have to convince his bosses that he is worth and deserving of a contract extension.

Will that happen? Believe it or not, there is some doubt.

The aforementioned acquisition of Nubel certainly creates an issue for Bayern in how to balance winning with a goalkeeper (Neuer) who just had an excellent season vs. how to best develop a kid (Nubel) who looks like Germany's future between the sticks.

Will Bayern follow the Belichick-ian style of getting rid of star too soon rather than too late? We might find a direction on that this summer. The contract discussions could get acrimonious and perhaps become a distraction should the Bundesliga season ever re-start.

Whatever happens, the fallout from a Neuer exit would be huge and an utter headache for the extent of the 2020-2021 season (unless Nubel came in as a world beater or the ludicrous Ter Stegen rumors somehow came to fruition). Neuer has been great and looks to have at least 2 to 3 more very good years ahead of him.

Should be back: 10/10

Will he be back: 9/10

Sven Ulreich

Ulreich has been an absolutely consummate professional and dependable back-up to Neuer in his time with Bayern. While his playing time has clearly been roadblocked by Neuer, Ulreich has always been accepting of his role and has fully embraced it. In my estimation, Ulreich would be a quality starter for many teams in Europe, but he won't get that opportunity with the Bavarians any time soon.

Unfortunately for #SvenTheWall, his future in Munich likely depends on what the club decides to do with Nubel and unless Nubel is loaned away, Ulreich's days in Munich are likely numbered, which could be good or bad depending on Ulreich's perspective. If he wants one more run as a starter, he'll head out, but if he loves his comfortable life as a back-up in Bavaria, Ulreich could stay and fight his role.

Should be back: 8/10

Will he be back: 2/10

Potential Breakthrough Players

Alexander Nubel

The current Schalke man was a winter signing and will join the Bavarians this summer. His presence, however, will create a bit of a logjam between the sticks. At 23, Nubel is on the trajectory of being the next great German goalkeeper and is expected to succeed Neuer and Ter Stegen eventually as Die Mannschaft's main man when those two begin to fade.

The move for both Nubel and Bayern, however, is still quite curious. Would the youngster be better served at a club where he could play every game rather than waiting for Neuer's skills to decline? Complicating matters are the rumors regarding a "playing time arrangement", that would cut into Neuer's monopoly on the position. Clearly, there is an advantage to being in the day-to-day training environment on Sabener Strasse, but is it enough to offset sitting behind Neuer (even if there is a playing time arrangement)?

I had to change the phrasing a bit for Nubel because of his unique situation, but the questions are valid. It's been said that a loan is out of the question, but if Neuer re-ups his deal, the reality of a season-long seat on the bench might not be so appealing to Nubel.

Should be in Munich next season: 6.5/10

Will be in Munich next season: 9.5/10

Everyone Else

Christian Fruchtl

It would be nice for Fruchtl to be listed with the "Potential Breakthrough" players, but all signs point to another season with Bayern II or a loan away from Bayern. While he has talent and is still just 20-years-old, Fruchtl is going to have to start to consider what path forward is best for his development. Another year in 3.Liga with Bayern II might not be so bad, but if the opportunity arises to move to Augsburg or elsewhere, Fruchtl might have to consider it if he thinks he can compete for time with a first-team.

Should be back: 8/10

Will he be back: 5/10

Ron-Thorben Hoffmann

Like every other goalkeeper listed above, Hoffmann's future is dependent on what happens with the four players listed above. Hoffmann is the last domino to fall among the quintet. If Fruchtl or Nubel take a loan away, the situation would become more palatable for Hoffmann, but if all 4 of the goalkeepers listed above return, it could be expected that Hoffmann will seek a new club on a loan or even a permanent sale.

Should be back: 8/10

Will he be back: 3/10