Alexander Nübel enjoyed a solid loan spell at VfB Stuttgart this season, as the Swabians edged out Bayern Munich to a second-place finish in the Bundesliga, finishing only behind Bayer Leverkusen.
Back in April, the keeper renewed his contract with Bayern for another four years, with an agreement in place that he will spend another two seasons on loan at Stuttgart, as it is what’s best for the young keeper given Manuel Neuer’s presence at Bayern as the number one keeper.
Julian Nagelsmann called up Nübel to his Germany roster for this summer’s European Championships along with Neuer, Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen, and TSG Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann. As anticipated, Neuer will be the number one keeper for the tournament, but for Nübel, it is still an honor to have been called up by Nagelsmann. The keeper relishes the opportunities to train alongside the nations other top keepers.
During a press conference from Germany’s training camp on Blankenhain, Nübel looked ahead to another season at Stuttgart and explained that he really does not see himself back at Bayern as long as Neuer is there, limiting his chances of starting time.
“I’m looking forward to next year in Stuttgart. Time will tell what happens after that. As long as Manu is there, it obviously makes no sense for me to return to Munich. Manu is definitely a role model for me. What he has achieved for Germany is unbelievable. Manu has taken goalkeeping to a new level. I’m happy to train with him here. Our relationship is collegial and friendly,” he explained (via @iMiaSanMia).
In terms of his career trajectory, the loan spells at both AS Monaco and VfB Stuttgart have been positive for Nübel, who was left frustrated in his first season at Bayern after joining from Schalke 04. When it became clear he would not be getting as much time as was contractually agreed upon when he made the move from Gelsenkirchen, the keeper made all of the right moves to give himself the best chance at still being in the national team conversation.
For now, EURO 2024 and being able to train alongside Neuer and the rest of the squad will be a growing and learning experience for Nübel. Barring an injury catastrophe, he likely will not get any minutes as ter Stegen is the number two keeper behind Neuer.
Looking for a some thoughts and analysis of the Bundesliga season? Well, we have you covered with our latest Bavarian Podcast Works Show, where Marcus Iredahl focuses on breaking down the Bundesliga season — the good, the bad, and the ugly. You can check it out on Spotify or below: