In eleven days, FC Bayern will play its first competitive match of the season in the Supercup against RB Leipzig. It is completely open who will be in goal then
Manuel Neuer, Sven Ulreich, Yann Sommer, Mister X: The goalkeeper puzzle at the German record champions currently remains unsolved. It is clear that captain Neuer is aiming for a comeback soon after his highly complicated lower leg fracture almost eight months ago and wants to regain his old strength as number 1. But the 37-year-old is absent from the Asia trip, is toiling away in Munich for his return and will probably have to cope with a cold start without a test match. The Supercup is likely to come too soon, as is the start of the Bundesliga just under a week later.
Until then, a placeholder is needed. Sommer started in the previous test matches, but the Swiss player, who was only signed last winter, is moving to Inter Milan. It is quite possible that the clubs will reach an agreement after Bayern’s return from Singapore and that Sommer will no longer be there for the Supercup. Coach Thomas Tuchel was and is not convinced by him.
A new keeper is still to come
That leaves Sven Ulreich, the eternal number 2, who turns 35 on Thursday. He took a break in Asia in between, but should be ready for action in an emergency. That he can fill the role over a period of time has been proven by the former Stuttgart man on several occasions. Also in the Supercup and at the start of the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen?
It is clear that Bayern will not take the risk of playing the season with only Neuer and Ulreich. Therefore, a new keeper should come in. Ideally on loan and with manageable costs, ideally someone who is reliable in goal. It remains to be seen who that will be.
One can only hope that those responsible have a better plan than the name-dropping of various media suggests. Not a day without a new candidate. But Mister X would have to get to know his new team-mates and settle in, possibly already at the dress rehearsal against AS Monaco on 7 August. On the other hand, Sommer was also immediately in goal after only one training session. In January, in the 1:1 in Leipzig. But who will keep the ball in the Bayern goal at the reunion?
