Bayern Munich are considering a move for Oliver Baumann to become their new number two goalkeeper. The 36-year-old Hoffenheim keeper is seen internally as a top solution for the post-Manuel Neuer era.
Planning for the future
Munich must prepare for a future without their long-serving first-choice. It is considered extremely unlikely that Neuer will extend his contract next summer. His designated successor is Jonas Urbig, who will make his international debut for Germany on Thursday evening. Behind the 23-year-old, the club seeks an experienced deputy. "Oliver Baumann is considered internally as a top solution," a report states. The goalkeeper is "certainly" being discussed at the club's headquarters. The club's leadership, however, wants to wait until Neuer officially confirms his career plans before taking concrete steps.
Baumann's situation
He is just 75 games behind Karl-Heinz Körbel's all-time record of 602. A move to Bayern, where he would be unlikely to start regularly, could jeopardise that goal. This season has started poorly for Baumann and Hoffenheim: after four matchdays he conceded ten goals and also lost his side's Europa League opener. His current stats reflect this difficult phase.
Other candidates monitored
Besides Baumann, other goalkeepers with Bundesliga experience are on the radar. These include Finn Dahmen of FC Augsburg, Marvin Schwäbe of 1. FC Köln, Bernd Leno of Fulham and Daniel Heuer Fernandes of Hamburger SV. A concrete decision will only be made once Neuer officially confirms his career plans. Planning can then properly progress.
The team under Thomas Tuchel now wants to focus on the next match. Recent form shows two wins, one draw and two defeats from the last five games. After the 7-0 thrashing of Union Berlin two weeks ago, they aim to build momentum.
The original report is at Die Welt Sport
