Did Schalke just get a boost in their effort to keep Alexander Nubel?
Time is running out for FC Schalke 04 to sign goalkeeper Alexander Nubel to a contract extension, as Bayern Munich and other clubs loom large.
Alexander Nubel has taken more strides forward in goal for FC Schalke 04 this season, and there is little doubt that he will be one of the best goalkeepers in the world one day. Often compared to Manuel Neuer due to his early breakout in Gelsenkirchen and playing style, Nubel has been strongly rumored to replace Neuer at Bayern Munich as his eventual successor.
But because Nubel wouldn’t get immediate playing time with Die Roten, Schalke can use that as an advantage in negotiations with their starting keeper. Nubel is their captain, too, and has been just as vital as a leader as a shot-stopper this season.
Schalke are doing everything they can to hold off interest from Bayern and even Tottenham, who have been linked to the standout keeper.
Recently, Die Knappen made a move that could help them secure a signature from Nubel. According to Kicker, Schalke have re-signed goalkeeper coach Simon Henzler through 2024, which could entice Nubel to remain in Gelsenkirchen with his preferred goalkeeping coach. A former Bundesliga keeper himself, Henzler has worked with Nubel in the past with the German youth teams, too.
It will take more than keeping a favored coach to convince Nubel to stay with the Royal Blues, especially since a chance to play with the perennial Bundesliga favorites is enticing. Yet Schalke are on a Champions League trajectory, too, and they are actually ahead of Bayern in the Bundesliga table right now.
Nubel has a chance to be a club legend with Schalke. He’s already developed into one of the Bundesliga’s best goalies at S04, which is saying something since the BuLi is known for having top goalkeeping talent. Again, he’s also blossomed as a leader with the captain’s armband on a team with other experienced stars like Benjamin Stambouli, Salif Sane, Bastian Oczipka, and Guido Burgstaller, and ultimate fan favorite Danial Caligiuri.
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Schalke fans will cross their fingers that Schalke can keep a hold of Nubel despite the interest from Bayern, though time is ticking on the Royal Blues to officially sign a new deal with the Germany international.
That said, this coaching move is a positive and should be seen as a boost, whether small or big, in getting Nubel to remain with the team beyond 2019-2020.