‘Preparing For’ – Newcastle United Face Bayern Competition For Star They Are ‘Tracking’
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Newcastle United are set to face competition from Bayern Munich for Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who the Magpies have been ‘tracking’.
The goalkeeping department has for quite some time been a matter of debate at St James’ Park, with manager Eddie Howe trying to add options.
In the summer, Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford emerged as a target for the Magpies but the player snubbed them in favour of a move to Manchester City.
Aaron Ramsdale did join on loan, but with Nick Pope getting no younger, Newcastle are likely to want to add another shot-stopper regardless of what happens with Ramsdale.
Odysseas Vlachodimos is on loan at Sevilla, who would like to keep hold of him, and the 31-year-old did not pull up any trees at Newcastle.
Borussia Dortmund’s 28-year-old goalkeeper Kobel has emerged as an option and, according to French outlet Foot Mercato, Newcastle are ‘tracking’ him.
However, the Magpies will not have things all their own way as heavyweights Bayern Munich are now also keen on Kobel.
Bayern Munich have started ‘preparing for life after’ their long-serving goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and Kobel is an option.
Another Premier League club, Chelsea, are also in the mix, having initially shown interest in him in 2023 when they even held talks with the agents of the player but nothing materialised.
Kobel could be drawn towards the prospect of playing in the Premier League, but if Bayern Munich also go for him then Newcastle will have to present a compelling case.
The Bavarians will be able to offer Champions League football, which Newcastle cannot compete with, while Kobel is already familiar with the Bundesliga and living in Germany.
At 28 years old, Kobel is approaching his peak as a goalkeeper, while he may also have even more suitors after the World Cup, where he is expected to be in action for Switzerland.
Kobel’s contract at Borussia Dortmund has another two years left to run.
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