Bayern Munich are hunting for a reliable number two, and it seems they have their eyes on the Premier League. After Everton’s Jordan Pickford was linked, now it’s Fulham’s Bernd Leno.
For those that don’t know, Bayern are planning for the future in their goalkeeping department. They still have Manuel Neuer but he’s now 40-years-old and looking likely to retire.
In fact, all indications are that the Bayern legend will bring his playing career to an end next summer. His long-time deputy, Sven Ulreich, is also likely to retire at 38.
Bayern have a plan to make Jonas Urbig their new number one. But the German champions urgently require a new, reliable number two.
Fulham man on list
BILD report that internal discussions are already taking place about that during this international break.
The newspaper’s information is that Fulham’s Bernd Leno – 34-years-old – has been added to Bayern’s internal list of options.
They state that the goalkeeper is ‘regarded in England as one of the Premier League’s best and most reliable keepers.’ That has not gone unnoticed at Bayern.
There have also been recent calls for him to make a comeback for Germany under Jürgen Klopp.
| Season | Appearances | Minutes | Clean sheets | Saves | Goals conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 36 | 3,240 | 8 | 144 | 51 |
| 2023/24 | 38 | 3,420 | 10 | 134 | 61 |
| 2024/25 | 38 | 3,420 | 5 | 109 | 54 |
| 2025/26 | 38 | 3,420 | 9 | 98 | 51 |
| 2026/27 so far | 5 | 450 | 1 | 16 | 8 |
| Fulham total | 155 | 13,950 | 33 | 501 | 225 |
Seen as an easy transfer
A deal would not be difficult for Bayern to get done. Leno’s current contract expires in 2027. Fulham have an option to extend it, but even in that scenario he ‘likely wouldn’t command a huge fee’.
The only issue is his age. He’s considered slightly above Bayern’s ideal age profile. But there are strong arguments in his favour. Not only does he possess a vast wealth of experience, but he also knows the Bundesliga well.
And, he hails from the Stuttgart area so a move to Bayern would bring him closer to his family. BILD say that there is a belief he can imagine ending his career in Munich. So that’s another point in their favour.
For now, the Fulham goalkeeper appears to just be one name on a growing list. But there are plenty of positives to it and plenty of reasons for Bayern to be confident.
Leno, for his part, recently hinted that he was open to a contract extension at Craven Cottage.
“As I’ve already said, I love the Premier League. I love it here, I love London, and I feel right at home now,” he said.
“That’s why I’m very relaxed about the situation. We’ll see if it continues for at least another year. We still have big plans with the club.”
