After a total of six years, the standoff between FC Bayern and Alexander Nübel has come to an end. The German record champions are finally transferring the goalkeeper to Besiktas Istanbul.
FC Bayern wanted to prepare early for the possible end of Manuel Neuer’s career and signed Alexander Nübel as a potential successor back in 2020, when the starting goalkeeper was still 33 years old. “Alexander Nübel is one of the most talented goalkeepers; he will continue to develop at FC Bayern and make his mark. We will give him our full support,” explained former FCB sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic at the time.
However, he did not make his mark in Munich; instead, he spent the past five years on loan at Monaco and Stuttgart. Now the goalkeeper is leaving the German record champions for good. He is transferring to Besiktas Istanbul for a transfer fee of 6.5 million euros—which could rise to 11.5 million euros with bonuses—and has signed a contract through 2029. Nübel was originally under contract with FC Bayern until 2029 as well.
“Alexander Nübel is a very good goalkeeper who has steadily developed and established himself at FC Bayern, AS Monaco, and VfB Stuttgart,” said sporting director Max Eberl in his farewell message to Nübel. “Now he wants to take the next step at Besiktas. We wish him all the best for his future.”
More Champions League appearances than Bundesliga matches for Bayern
Although the Paderborn native was under contract in Munich for a total of six years, he played only four matches in an FCB jersey. In the 2020–21 season, he played one match each in the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal, as well as two in the Champions League. He subsequently gained significantly more playing time at AS Monaco and VfB Stuttgart. During his three years in Swabia alone, Nübel missed only four Bundesliga matches. A permanent transfer to VfB likely fell through due to the overall financial package that the Eagles from Istanbul were now able to offer.