Tackling Munich: Nübel and Neuer's Clash of Talents in Bundesliga
Alexander Nübel is set to shine in this week's Bundesliga top game. His opportunity to leave a lasting impression at FC Bayern Munich's expense comes on Sunday (7.30 pm/DAZN). As he stands to square off against his true employers, he'll also challenge Manuel Neuer, the national team goalkeeper who once blocked his path to the limelight in Munich. Nübel's deal with Bayern, which originally brought him hope of ascending to No. 1, runs through the summer of 2025.
In Munich, Nübel's prospects dwindled in Neuer's shadow. He rarely had the chance to showcase his abilities at the German record champions. That's why he opted for a two-year loan to AS Monaco first and then a transfer to VfB Stuttgart last summer.
The VfB Stuttgart manager, Sebastian Hoeneß, highly praises Nübel's impact on the team. The 27-year-old's influence on the field is palpable, and he contributes to the team's overall strategy. He provides defensive stability and imposes himself on both wings, contributing positively to the team as a person too.
"There's no denying that he's a crucial factor in our upsurge," Hoeneß commended upon the upcoming game. The Bavarian champions will face Nübel and VfB Stuttgart this coming Sunday, offering the former Schalke 04 star the perfect chance to shine against his old team.
After Neuer's recent contract revitalization in Munich, a return to Bayern for Nübel seems improbable. VfB Stuttgart aims to secure plans with the goalkeeper beyond the summer, but an additional loan to Stuttgart would only be a feasible option if Nübel extended his term with Bayern by at least one year. This would grant Bayern a transfer fee in 2025 in the event of another transfer.
VfB Stuttgart's CEO, Alexander Wehrle, expressed his readiness to engage in talks that benefit all three parties. However, finances to support a permanent Nübel signing might be challenging for VfB Stuttgart as it currently stands.
Enrichment Insights:
- Despite the loan agreement allowing Bayern to retrieve Nübel by April 30, 2026, it appears unlikely that Bayern will invoke the clause.
- The arrival of Jonas Urbig, a promising young goalkeeper, has sparked speculation about Nübel's future at Bayern, as Neuer remains their undisputed first-choice and Urbig is being groomed as a potential future successor.
- Reports suggest that Nübel no longer wishes to return to Bayern Munich.
Bundesliga Standing
| Position | Team | Points | |----------|-----------------------|--------| | 1 | FC Bayern Munich | 51 | | 11 | VfB Stuttgart | 33 |
VfB Stuttgart Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Result | |-------------|---------------------|--------| | Feb 28, 2023 | Borussia Dortmund | Draw 1-1 | | Mar 5, 2023 | FC Bayern Munich | TBD |
VfB Stuttgart Squad
| Pos. | Name | |--------|---------------------------| | GK | Alexander Nübel | | DF | Manuel Gulde | | MF | Almog Cohen Halevy | | MF | Gonzalo Castro | | FW | Silas Wamangulu-Chumbulu | | FW | Sasa Kalajdzic | | FW | Nicolas Gonzalez |
