SOCCER
Will Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer be forced to retire?
Reports in Germany claim that Manuel Neuer’s leg injury is worse than was first stated and could even end his career.
Bayern Munich have yet to find a replacement for goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who they initially ruled out until the end of the season after he suffered a reported lower league fracture in a skiing accident while on holiday. However, German newspaper Bild have now claimed that Neuer’s injury may be worse than was first feared and could force him to spend a longer spell on the sidelines or even end his career.
According to Bild, Neuer has suffered an open fracture of the tibia and fibula, something which the goalkeeper’s camp refused to deny when approached for comment. As a result, it is thought that Bayern are not only looking to sign a short-term stop-gap but are instead interested in a long-term replacement, as they have doubts about whether Neuer will ever be able to recapture his best form, even if he does indeed return to action at the start of the 2023-24 season, by which time he will be 37.
Who could Bayern Munich sign to replace Manuel Neuer?
Switzerland international Yann Sommer is thought to be Bayern’s number one choice but his club Borussia Mönchengladbach have ruled out selling him this month despite the fact that he could leave for free when his contract ends in the summer. The Rhineland outfit may eventually be persuaded if Bayern up their initial offer of €5 million, which could well happen as they look to sign a reliable number one in time to take on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League round of 16 on February 14.