Bayern's Stick with Ulreich: Contract Extension on the Horizon? 🤔
It seems like a goalkeeping partnership between FC Bayern Munich and Sven Ulreich might continue for another season. As per Sky, discussions are underway for an extension to Ulreich's contract, aiming for a signing before the winter holidays [1][2]. Notably, Ulreich has been delivering solid performances as a substitute for Manuel Neuer, whose contract shares a similar expiry date at the season's end.
Ulreich has a rich history with the Munich side, having been part of the team from 2015 until 2020 and then returning to the southern scene on July 1, 2021, after a brief stint with Hamburger SV [2]. Recently, his contributions to the team were celebrated with loud applause during Bayern's annual general meeting, with the crowd chanting, "Ulle, Ulle" – a sweet moment that may have made contract negotiations a tad less daunting [3].
CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen acknowledges the impact of the crowd's adoration and looks forward to a possible contract extension for Ulreich [3].
Alongside Ulreich, Bayern relies on Daniel Peretz as their second-string keeper; Neuer continues to be the first choice. Ulreich has played twelve games this season, boasting three clean sheets, and displaying impressive saves in challenging situations [2]. Peretz, who joined the club in the summer, made his Munich debut in the 4-0 win against Preußen Münster in the cup, while Neuer has been back in goal since the 8-0 victory against SV Darmstadt 98 in the Bundesliga [2].
Coach Thomas Tuchel highlighted the duo's teamwork and commended Ulreich's strong performances [2]. In fact, according to Tuchel, their outstanding partnership contributes significantly to the squad's top performances, as Ulreich's loyalty to Neuer is highly appreciated [2].
Aside from Neuer and Ulreich, the contracts of Thomas Müller, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, and Bouna Sarr are set to expire at the end of the season [2]. While Müller looks hopeful for an extension, Choupo-Moting and Sarr are widely expected to leave the club [2].
In the Bundesliga, FC Bayern Munich's goalkeeping department enjoys a stable scenario, with Neuer and Ulreich, as the club actively pursues an extension for Ulreich before the end of the year [2]. Despite interest in potential transfers, the club seems content with Ulreich's performance and his crucial role as a reliable backup for Neuer [2].
Sources:
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
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While the news of Ulreich extending his contract with Bayern is still in the works, experts suggest that the likelihood of this happening is high [4] [5]. Additionally, some sources even indicate that his contract could extend until the summer of 2025 [1]. However, it is essential to keep in mind that official confirmation of this extension has yet to be announced [1][5].
