As reported by Sport1, Christian Fruchtl’s adviser has confirmed that the young Bayern Munich goalkeeper is keen on securing regular first-team football. As a result, he is now eyeing a temporary move away from Allianz Arena next summer, having already received a couple of offers from Premier League clubs. However, Fruchtl is eager to make an impact at Bayern in the long-term.
Bayern’s stacked goalkeeping department
A product of the Bayern Munich youth academy, Fruchtl broke into the scene with his performances in the Regionalliga for the Bayern U-17 and U-19 teams. As a result, he was promoted to the first team in the summer of 2017, and he has since become the number three goalkeeper for the Bavarians, just behind Sven Ulreich and Manuel Neuer.
Having said that, Fruchtl is yet to make a single senior appearance for the club. And even though Neuer is nearing the final phase of his career, the pending arrival of Alexander Nubel in the summer could add significant competition in the goalkeeping department next season.
Nubel is regarded as one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe. Even then, whether or not he would become a first-choice ‘keeper at Bayern remains a doubt. That means Fruchtl will have to compete with not only Neuer but also Nubel and Ulreich for a place in the first-team.
Should Bayern let Fruchtl leave on loan?
A potential move to Premier League next season could seriously be a huge step in Fruchtl’s career given the fact that the youngster hasn’t even played a single game in the Bundesliga. And with that in mind, it might be a little difficult for him to settle into the English top flight.
But, at the same time, it is usually easier for goalkeepers to settle down into a new league. Dean Henderson, for example, has enjoyed tremendous success with Sheffield United this term despite having no prior experience of playing in the Premier League.
Fruchtl, given his incredible talent, could well follow the same footsteps. Hence, it would be wiser for Bayern Munich to offload the 20-year-old in a season-long deal in the summer. It could help him gain some much-needed experience at the highest level of football and more importantly, it will give him a platform to prove his credential in arguably the biggest league in Europe.
A move to Norwich City, in particular, where a lot of German players are plying their trade under Daniel Farke, could make sense. Alternatively, Fruchtl can also move to the second division of the Bundesliga, which has also gained a lot of reputation in the past few years.
