According to Sky Sports, Norwich City are mulling over a move for Schalke goalkeeper Ralf Fährmann. It is believed that the Canaries are keen to add more competition in the goalkeeping department, and the 30-year-old has been identified as a potential candidate. Fährmann could become Norwich’s fourth signing of the summer after Josip Drmic, Patrick Roberts and Daniel Adshead.
Fahrmann’s success in the Bundesliga
A product of the Chemnitzer youth academy, Fährmann has been one of the most consistent ‘keepers in the Bundesliga since his return to Schalke in 2011. Although it wasn’t until the 2013/14 season that the German was given the opportunity to make a breakthrough in the starting lineup. However, he did make full use of that opportunity.
Indeed, Fährmann notched up 197 Bundesliga appearances and has played over 230 matches for Schalke across all competitions. He has been the club’s first-choice ‘keeper since the 2014/15 campaign. But, that could change next season with the emergence of Alexander Nübel.
The 22-year-old made quite a lot of waves with his performances during the second half of the 2018/19 campaign and is already regarded as the next big thing after Manuel Neuer and Marc Andre ter Stegen.
He also played a significant role in minimising Fährmann’s overall game time, with the Schalke club captain, featuring in little over 1,450 minutes of league football. Hence, a move away from Gelsenkirchen makes sense for the ex-Frankfurt star if he is to find regular opportunities in goal next season.
What can Fahrmann bring to the table?
Fährmann is generally known for his tall 1.96m frame that allows him to cover a lot of area in goal. It also makes him an intimidating presence for the opposing players, especially when it comes to set-pieces. Despite his height, however, the German is quite agile and is blessed with quick reflexes.
That being said, the 30-year-old is a rare breed of injury prone ‘keepers, having suffered various spells on the sidelines throughout his career.
Should Norwich make a move for this giant?
Tim Krul is currently Norwich City’s only reliable option in goal, thus accentuating the need for a new ‘keeper this summer. And Fährmann, to that end, is arguably the best available option for the Premier League newcomers.
The 30-year-old has a vast amount of experience at the highest level of football and should thrive under the tutelage of former Dortmund youth coach Daniel Farke. He is also likely to receive regular game time as he’s way more consistent and reliable than Krul, despite the Dutchman’s performances the last term, thus making Fährmann the ideal target for the Canaries.
