Long-term target
Transfermarkt understands that Bayern Munich can be added to the growing lists of clubs keeping a close eye on Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina. The 18-year-old US men’s national team prospect is one of the biggest talents in Major League Soccer and has established himself as his club’s number one starter. Slonina recently saw his market value increase to $3.3 million, making him the most valuable goalkeeper in his age category (overview).
Not surprisingly, interest in Slonina has been high. In recent weeks, the Fire goalkeeper has been linked with a move to Juventus, Chelsea, and Wolverhampton. On top of that, Slonina, who also has a Polish passport, was recently called up to Poland’s national team—the keeper has since declared that he will be committed to playing for the United States.
#Bayern are indeed keeping a close eye on #cf97 goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina. The 18-year-old #USMNT is in the perfect age category to become a long-term replacement for Manuel Neuer. Neuer has recently renewed his contract to 2024. @Transfermarkt
— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) May 27, 2022
Bayern Munich, in turn, have recently renewed Manuel Neuer’s contract until 2024. Neuer, however, is 36 and will be 38 when his Bayern contract expires. The Rekordmeister also have Alexander Nübel under contract (currently on loan at Monaco), but the 25-year-old does not want to wait for Neuer to retire and is looking for a permanent move away from the club.
With Slonina – The biggest market value winners in MLS (April 2022)
Slonina to Bayern? – “Neuer remodeled the game”
Although Slonina has been favorably compared to Neuer in the past, the 18-year-old has been quick to downplay comparisons to the world’s best goalkeeper. “That comparison is crazy to me,” Slonina said when asked about Neuer in an interview contacted as part of the TM talents calendar in December. “Neuer remodeled the game. But I want to be far out of the line and use my feet, play like an extra defender for my team. It is what I model myself after. But I take a bit from every keeper.”
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