Schalke or Bayern: goalkeeper Alexander Nübel will not move abroad the summer

Alexander Nübel has whittled his options down to two, according to a new report by Sport1. Despite interest from numerous clubs across Europe, the ex-Paderborn and current Schalke goalkeeper has decided against a move abroad. That leaves him with just two options: extend with Schalke or run his contract down and sign for the record champions Bayern Munich on a free transfer.

Schalke have tried several times to get Nübel to sign an extension, and head coach David Wagner even took the unusual step of naming Nübel club captain at the end of the preseason in what appears to be another attempt to convince him to extend his stay.

The Royal Blues most recently offered Nübel a contract until 2024 that would see his salary rise to €5 million a year and include a release clause of €10-20 millions.

Though Bayern’s own offer to Nübel is said to be similar in terms of wages and duration, the prospect of long-term success at a European giant like Bayern would presumably make the monetary aspect take a back seat in this transfer.

Sport1 also suggests that any decision made by Nübel to move to Bayern would be affected by the future of Bayern’s own shot-stopper Manuel Neuer at the club. Neuer’s current contract runs until 2021, but it might be extended to 2023.

Nübel would thus have to accept a non-starting role and deputise under Neuer in his early years in Munich, were he to make the move to the Bavarian capital.

The 23-year-old’s performances and potential have also attracted the attention of the National team coach Jogi Löw, who had this to say: “In Alexander Nübel, we have a very young goalkeeper who has made a very good impression.”