Bayern identify Dortmund’s Kobel as Neuer’s long term successor

Bayern Munich have identified Borussia Dortmund shot-stopper Gregor Kobel as the long-term successor to club stalwart Manuel Neuer, French news outlet Foot Mercato reports.

The exceptional Swiss goalkeeper only recently signed a new long-term deal with Der BvB and will command a hefty price tag if Bayern act on their interest.

Dortmund are likely to demand at least €80 million for the 25-year-old keeper. But that is unlikely to deter the record Bundesliga champions, who have already initiated contact with the player’s entourage.

Neuer has been the last line of Bayern’s defence for over a decade, earning a reputation as one of the best in his trade, but his stock has fallen off a cliff since his untimely injury.

The German keeper has not featured for the Bavarians since fracturing his right leg during a ski touring expedition following Germany’s disappointing exit from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

While he is working on regaining full fitness and his place in Bayern’s goal, his extended absence from action, coupled with his age, has raised questions within the club hierarchy regarding his ability to still perform at a high level.

Sven Ulreich has stepped in for Neuer this season, but Bayern considers the 35-year-old as only a stop-gap solution to their keeper situation.

The Bundesliga title holders are eager to recruit a player capable of filling Neuer’s boots, and Kobel has been identified as the man to take the reigns between the sticks.

Bayern’s choice is unsurprising, considering Kobel has been widely regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers in the Bundesliga since joining Dortmund from VfB Stuttgart in the summer of 2021.

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While Jude Bellingham was the poster boy for Dortmund’s futile title push last season, Kobel was also an outstanding performer for Edin Terzic’s side with a 75% save percentage.

Bayern will need to pull out all the stops to snap up Kobel, but their history of dealing with Dortmund could prove advantageous. 

Despite the player’s new contract, there’s every chance he could end up at the Allianz Arena as early as next summer.