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Bayern want £60m-rated Bart Verbruggen to replace Neuer
Bayern Munich are plotting a swoop for Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen as they look to replace 39-year-old stalwart Manuel Neuer, according to The Telegraph.
Verbruggen has established himself as one of the most exciting European goalkeeping prospects since his £16.3 million move from Anderlecht. He has usurped Jason Steele at Brighton and taken the number-one shirt for the Dutch national team.
The 22-year-old has caught the eye of Die Rekordmeister with his shot-stopping and impressive passing range. They are reportedly ready to take a punt on the £60 million-rated goalkeeper.
However, it is worth noting that the Zwolle-born shot-stopper is not yet the finished product. He has made four errors leading to a goal in the Premier League this season.
Besides, Verbruggen has conceded an expected goals on target (xGOT) of 36.85 while shipping 41 actual goals. He is conceding more goals than he should.
His goals prevented number is -4.36, which should be better. Bayern would be taking a gamble on Verbruggen fulfilling his potential at the Allianz Arena.
What to do with Ulbrig and Nubel
The decision to potentially sign Verbruggen will shock many fans, with Bayern already looking set in the goalkeeper position for years.
Bayern signed Alexander Nubel in 2020. He has gone out on multiple loans to AS Monaco and VfB Stuttgart to develop. He has been in the Bundesliga proving his mettle.
Nubel would have been hoping for a chance to take the starting berth from Neuer. It appears the club has other plans.
Also, Bayern signed Germany youth international Jonas Urbig from FC Koln in the winter transfer window. The 21-year-old might harbour hopes of taking the number one shirt. But he will likely kiss those dreams goodbye if Verbruggen joins for big money in the summer.
Bayern’s goalkeeping situation will be a fascinating storyline in the coming months. With Neuer nearing the twilight of his career, the club must carefully weigh its options.
Verbruggen’s potential is undeniable, but his inconsistencies suggest he may not be a guaranteed upgrade over Nubel or Urbig.
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