Hamann has doubts about Neuer
FC Bayern is courting the most expensive goalkeeper in history
08/09/2023 08:57 am
Manuel Neuer’s return has been delayed, Yann Sommer has switched to Inter Milan. The goalkeeper question at FC Bayern is becoming more and more urgent. Now the next keeper is traded as a possible newcomer. It is an old acquaintance of coach Thomas Tuchel.
FC Bayern should now deal with Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea when looking for a new goalkeeper. According to Sport1 information, there have already been initial talks with the Spanish national keeper. Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel knows the 28-year-old from his time at Chelsea and is said to have recommended him. Kepa made the headlines in the summer of 2018 when he joined Stamford Bridge from Athletic Bilbao. At that time, the Blues paid a transfer fee of 80 million euros – to this day the highest sum ever paid for a goalkeeper.
However, Kepa’s time in London did not go as desired afterwards. Although he was the undisputed number one in his first two years at Chelsea, Edouard Mendy overtook him. Just last season, Kepa was ordered back into the starting XI. Quite piquant: Even under Tuchel, Kepa was not set at Chelsea. The coach gave the Spaniard only a few occasions. Apparently that hasn’t changed his appreciation for the 28-year-old.
Bayern Munich are said to have had the clubless David de Gea and David Raya from FC Brentford on their list. However, Raya is facing a move to Arsenal. According to consistent English media reports, the English runner-up will pay almost 35 million euros including bonuses to Brentford. Raya is set to sign a five-year deal until 2028 with an option for one more season.
Hamann is critical of Neuer’s future
The record champion is under pressure after national goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s postponed comeback plans. Because after Yann Sommer’s move to Inter Milan, Bayern currently only have an experienced goalkeeper available in Sven Ulreich. Neuer suffered a broken leg in a skiing accident in December while on vacation after the World Cup in Qatar. The longtime number one is working on a comeback. Most recently, Neuer had to undergo another operation on his right fibula. It is still unclear when he will return.
Meanwhile, expert Dietmar Hamann is skeptical about Neuer’s situation: “There is a great deal of uncertainty as to whether Manuel Neuer will come back. And when he comes back, you don’t know how he’ll come back.” When the national goalkeeper returns to team training, it will also take him between eight and ten weeks to be back in goal. Five to six test games are also probably required beforehand.
Hamann also doubts that Neuer will find his old level of performance again when he returns. He already “didn’t hold up well at the World Cup. I can’t imagine why Neuer should hold up better than before after such a serious injury. That’s out of the question for me,” said Hamann and added: “Even if Neuer comes back, it could After three or four games it means: It’s no longer possible. Bayern now have to get a first goalkeeper.”