More than just a money move: FC Bayern eyeing a top signing

Freund Eberl

What lies ahead for Alexander Nübel after the upcoming World Cup? Bayern Munich could soon enjoy a sizeable financial windfall, and the Germany goalkeeper might even emerge as a crucial bargaining chip.

As previously reported, Alexander Nübel will neither stay at FC Bayern nor return to VfB Stuttgart next season. Instead, three unnamed top clubs are said to be competing for the 29-year-old goalkeeper's services.

A permanent move to VfB is now off the table. Nübel is unwilling to accept a substantial pay cut. He currently earns €11 million per year, with €7 million covered by FC Bayern under the loan agreement. Meanwhile, the Swabians are poised to begin the new campaign with Dennis Seimen—currently on loan at SC Paderborn—as their first-choice goalkeeper.

The 20-year-old U21 international has impressed this season with the East Westphalians, especially in Thursday's first-leg play-off win over VfL Wolfsburg. "Everyone sees it the same way: the support Dennis gives us is outstanding. I've never seen anything like it," enthused teammate Laurin Curda after the match.

Seimen himself has not yet received any official word from VfB, as he confirmed. "It's obviously linked to Alexander Nübel and what he's doing, and what the people in charge in Stuttgart want," he clarified, adding, "It's not up to me at the moment."

VfB Stuttgart v RB Leipzig - Bundesliga

FC Bayern are no longer counting on Nübel: "Alex knows what our plans are"

Sporting director Christoph Freund recently indicated that Nübel no longer fits into the plans of the German record champions, despite having a contract until 2030 and in the wake of Manuel Neuer's latest extension. "We've held talks with his management and Alex is aware of our plans," Freund stated after Saturday's final Bundesliga match against 1. FC Köln, referring to Neuer, his deputy Jonas Urbig and Sven Ulreich: "We're going into next season with this trio of goalkeepers; that's the plan."

Nevertheless, a final decision on Nübel's future may not come until late summer, with concrete talks between Bayern and potential suitors likely to start only after the DFB Cup final against VfB Stuttgart. The club is eyeing a Premier League suitor for Nübel, a move that would yield a hefty transfer fee for Bayern and a comparable salary for the keeper, who joined on a free transfer from Schalke 04 in 2020. 

His exit would also free up salary-cap space for other targets, such as Anthony Gordon, and could even act as a bargaining chip in talks with Newcastle United.

Recent reports suggest the Magpies are planning a goalkeeping reshuffle, with Sky claiming they have set their sights on RC Lens' Robin Risser at a cost of €30–40m.

Brighton & Hove Albion could also be in the market if Bart Verbruggen departs, and Freiburg's Noah Atubolu has recently been linked with both clubs. 

Alexander Nübel: Performance data and statistics