Bundesliga
Special return to Munich: Nübel meets Neuer
Alexander Nübel moved to VfB Stuttgart last summer. photo
© Tom Weller/dpa
For VfB goalkeeper Alexander Nübel, the top game in the Bundesliga is a special duel. Bayern loaned him to Stuttgart. Where he will play in the future is uncertain.
Alexander Nübel can prove himself in this spicy Bundesliga top game. When he plays with VfB Stuttgart on Sunday (7.30 p.m./DAZN) at FC Bayern If Munich wants to achieve the next coup, the goalkeeper meets his actual employer. He also competes with national goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, in whose shadow he saw no prospects for himself in Munich. Nübel’s contract with FC Bayern, to which he moved in 2020 with the hope of being able to rise to number one, runs until the summer of 2025.
The former FC Schalke 04 talent was only left with the reserve role behind Neuer at Munich. He was hardly able to show what he could do with the German record champions. That’s why he initially moved to AS Monaco on loan for two years and then to VfB Stuttgart last summer.
“He can clearly be mentioned as a factor in our recovery,” praised VfB coach Sebastian Hoeneß before the away trip to Munich. The 27-year-old can shape a game. He can support the idea of the game in terms of football, bring defensive stability to the team and show presence when crossing. But he also contributes to the team as a personality, enthused the coach.
Soon to be a new successor in the national team?
At VfB, Nübel has made one of last season’s uncertainties forgotten. He is attracting positive attention and is seen as Neuer’s future successor in the national team. “In the long run you won’t be able to get past Alex Nübel in the German national team,” said CEO Alexander Wehrle to the “Münchner Merkur/tz”. And Hoeneß said: “If he stays healthy and continues like this, he will have a good chance.”
After Neuer extended his contract in Munich beyond this season, Nübel’s return to Bayern seems almost impossible. VfB would like to plan with him beyond the summer. However, another loan to Stuttgart would only be an option if Nübel extended his contract with Bayern by at least one year. Then Bayern could also receive a transfer fee in 2025 in the event of a transfer.
“If there is a construct from which all three parties can benefit, we are ready to talk at any time. I would travel to Munich at any time of the day or night to do that,” said Wehrle. Given the current status, it would be difficult for VfB to finance a permanent commitment from Nübel.