Man Utd legend in talks to join Bayern Munich

Suraj Radia

• 26 Jul 2023 19:14 BST
• 2 min read

Bayern Munich have reportedly lined up David de Gea as a short-term solution to their ongoing goalkeeping issues after the Spaniard left Manchester United this summer.

De Gea called time on his 12-year spell at Old Trafford after his contract expired, with United lowering the terms that had previously been agreed following the 32-year-old’s shaky end to the season.

Bayern have been in the market for a successor to Manuel Neuer after the 37-year-old broke his leg in December, prompting the German side to sign Yann Sommer from Bundesliga rivals Borussia Monchengladbach.

Neuer has yet to return to full fitness since his injury, while Sommer is wanted by Inter to replace Andre Onana, who joined United as the successor to De Gea.

REJECTED: De Gea turns down chance to replace Onana at Inter

Bayern have struggled to secure their goalkeeping targets this summer due to players believing that they will simply be a stop gap until Neuer recovers from his injury.

However, German outlet BILD report that De Gea has been approached over whether he would be interested in a move, although the shotstopper is believed to prefer a return to La Liga.

Will Bayern sign De Gea?

Bayern have considered a number of goalkeepers since Neuer’s injury, with the German keeper already having seen a decline in form prior to breaking his leg on a Ski trip during the winter break.

David Raya was the most recent name to be linked but Bayern are put off by Brentford’s £40 million asking price, while manager Thomas Tuchel is said to be unconvinced by the Spaniard’s relatively small stature.

Juventus have so far been unwilling to part ways with Wojciech Szczesny, while Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili, Sevilla’s Yassine Bounou and FC Copenhagen’s Kamil Grabara are also said to be on Bayern’s shortlist.

TARGETS: Bayern offer €100m contract to striker

However, De Gea could be the most intriguing option due to his pedigree and availability, although his limited ability with the ball at his feet could prove a difficult sell for Bayern, having seen Neuer revolutionise the sweeper keeper role during his time at the club.