How Nice's Kasper Schmeichel nearly joined Bayern this January

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 20 Jan 2023 15:14 GMT
• 3 min read

Kasper Schmeichel only joined OGC Nice from Leicester City last summer, but he was incredibly close to signing for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich this month before they acquired Yann Sommer, according to reports.

The Danish international has conceded 18 goals in 17 appearances for Nice since joining in August last year, but could've been lining up for Bayern had things gone slightly differently.

Manuel Neuer's skiing injury left Bayern without a number one 'keeper and the Bavarians set about signing a replacement. On-loan AS Monaco goalkeeper Alexander Nubel was linked with a recall, while Sommer was their first-choice target.

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However, Borussia Monchengladbach were reportedly unwilling to let Sommer leave mid-season, despite his contract situation, and hence stalled negotiations with Bayern.

The Bavarians decided to act quickly and moved to sign Schmeichel from Nice, according to Foot Mercato. Nice were reportedly willing to let the 36-year-old leave the club on one condition: they find a replacement.

The Ligue 1 side were reportedly aware of the opportunity this would be for Schmeichel and were hence understanding of the situation. However, during their search for a new number one, 'Gladbach made a U-turn upon learning of Bayern's interest in Schmeichel and a fee of €9.5 million.

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Gladbach have already signed Sommer's replacement - Montpellier goalkeeper Jonas Omlin.

Sommer to Bayern Munich

The 34-year-old shot-stopper has joined Bayern on a two-and-a-half year deal, keeping him at the Allianz Arena until 2025.

Sommer admitted he was "very excited about the new challenge," and added: "We have some big challenges ahead of us. I'm hugely looking forward to starting here with my new team-mates and to everything that is to come."

The Swiss international has previously been linked with a move to Manchester United following David de Gea's inconsistent form.