Bayern extend with Ulreich through 2024
In a move that surely has ramifications for one-time Manuel Neuer replacement Alexander Nübel, FC Bayern München announced that they had extended with current back-up Sven Ulreich on Friday.
Sven Ulreich's recent stated ambition to ending his career with the German record champions was rewarded with a new deal on Friday evening. The 34-year-old inked a new contract with FC Bayern München that will keep him with the club through the end of next season. The Schondorf native has represented the FCB since 2015, apart from one season spent with Hamburger SV during the 2020/21 campaign.
Backing up German national team #1 Manuel Neuer, Ulreich has actually made a surprisingly large number of appearances (86) as Bayern's #2. The bulk of these came during the 2017/18 season, during which Neuer was recovering from metatarsal surgery. Ulreich has made appearances in Neuer's stead this year.
"This contract extension expresses the sporting significance Sven has for our team," FCB sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic noted in a statement accompanying the signing, "He was and is always available to fill in when needed, in the locker room as well."
"The cooperation with the whole team and especially with Manuel Neuer developed over many years into something special," Ulreich himself noted, "we are perfectly matched and my job is a lot of fun."
Ulreich rejoined Bayern ahead of the 2021/22 season when it became apparent that Alexander Nübel was discontent sitting on the Bayern bench. Nübel, once considered Neuer's natural heir, remains in Monaco in the second season of a two-year-loan.
Given the keeper's history with the Bavarians since joining from Schalke in 2020, it's possible that the 26-year-old might not be returning at all.
"Der FC Bayern weiß, dass ich immer da bin, wenn man mich braucht." 🔴⚪#FCBayern #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/y7xkiXEgGg
— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) November 11, 2022