FC Schalke 04 star goalkeeper Alexander Nubel has a decision to make, and it’s almost certainly going to come down to the Royal Blues and Bayern Munich.
Alexander Nubel is only 23 years old, but he’s already one of the Bundesliga’s top goalkeepers. More importantly to FC Schalke 04, he is their captain. The Royal Blues want to do everything in their power to keep Nubel, who has the potential to be one of the world’s best for years to come.
Part of that effort includes giving Nubel a higher salary than what Bayern are providing. On top of that, Nubel is a must-start every game for the Royal Blues, whereas he’d have to sit on the bench behind former Schalke star Manuel Neuer, whom Nubel is often compared to, at Bayern.
And the difference in playing time could be the deciding factor for Nubel, based on a recent report from Sport 1.
Sport 1: Alexander #Nübel wants to make a decision in the near future! Maybe this or next month. A move to Bayern is unlikely, as long as #Neuer stays until 2021 and plays regularly. #s04
— German Football Daily (@GERFootDaily) December 8, 2019
Nubel is on an expiring contract, meaning he only has a limited amount of time before he can choose his future. Although other clubs around Europe like Tottenham are monitoring his situation, he’s fully expected to stay in Germany. This expectations means it’s a decision between Bayern and Schalke.
At one point, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Nubel would leave, but that was before Schalke started the season brightly under new manager David Wagner. Despite losing to Bayer Leverkusen on Matchday 14, Die Knappen are actually ahead of the more expensive Bayern side. They are in fourth with a real manager at the helm, whereas Bayern are seventh after politicking helped lead to the ousting of Niko Kovac.
Schalke can offer Nubel a comparative salary, more playing time, the captaincy, and a chance at Champions League football without the turmoil and pressure of Bayern. Nubel can be a club legend at Schalke, and while that same possibility exists for the more prestigious Bayern, it wouldn’t be quite as special as staying in Gelsenkirchen.
Nubel can always move to Bayern in the future when they sort things out – and Neuer retires – but it looks like signing an extension with Schalke and reevaluating later is Nubel’s best option. Per the report, it seems to be the option Nubel favors.
But the allure of joining Bayern, who always aspire to win trebles and carry a massive level of prestige, is difficult to deny. Schalke won’t breathe easy until Nubel makes his decision official.