Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen are both keeping a close eye on 1. FC Köln goalkeeper Jonas Urbig has been touted as one of Germany’s top future goalkeepers. Urbig’s contract with Köln expires in 2026, and the club is open to selling him if they fail to secure Bundesliga promotion to avoid losing him for free. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany has expressed admiration for two Barcelona legends, while Bayern star Joshua Kimmich named the same Barcelona duo as his footballing ‘idols.’ Both clubs are gearing up for important matches, with Kimmich expected to play a central role in Bayern’s upcoming Champions League clash with Barcelona.
Leverkusen and Bayern Eyeing Köln Goalkeeper Urbig
Sport Bild reports that Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich are closely watching the situation of 1.FC Köln goalkeeper Jonas Urbig.
It has been reported that Urbig is not keen on extending his contract with Köln, which runs until 2026. As a result, the club is reluctant to let the 21-year-old leave for free and is considering selling him in the summer, particularly if they fail to secure promotion back to the Bundesliga.
Bayern has said to have already held talks with Urbig’s camp about potentially being Manuel Neuer’s successor at the club, but they already have Alexander Nübel who is currently on loan at VfB Stuttgart.
Leverkusen is also planning for a future replacement for Lukas Hradecky. The Finland international’s contract runs until 2026, and at times, he has not demonstrated the level of a top-class goalkeeper that Leverkusen requires. Urbig could be a potential successor to Hradecky when his contract ends, by which time Hradecky will be 36.
Urbig is considered one of Germany’s top upcoming goalkeeping talents and, along with SC Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu, has been seen as a potential future first-choice goalkeeper for the national team.
Bayern’s Vincent Kompany Admires Two FC Barcelona Stars
Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany has noted several players from the FC Barcelona roster that catch his eye. In particular, he highlighted center-back Pau Cubarsí and rising star Lamine Yamal.
“I started my career at a similar age. He’s already a very good player. You don’t often get to this high level at this age. I hope he stays fit because then he can have a great career,” said Kompany (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “It’s special for Barcelona that they have (Yamal) who could potentially replace a player like Messi so soon after his departure. That’s unique. Credit to La Masia. But for us, the focus is on the entire Barça team, not just one player.”
While Kompany could have praised many FC Barcelona players, his focus is solely on finding ways to stop talents like Yamal and overcome players like Cubarsí.
Bayern Munich Star Names Barcelona Duo as His ‘Idols’
https://dailyfootballnews.online/bundesliga/bayern-legend-praises-flick-as-munich-targets-barcelona/Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich has shared that he regards two Barcelona legends as his footballing ‘idols’ ahead of their upcoming clash.
Barca and Bayern are set to face off later this evening in a much-anticipated Champions League showdown in the heart of Catalunya.
Midfielder Kimmich is expected to start in the center of the field, likely playing a key part in deciding how the match turns out.
The German international stepped in front of the media ahead of the match.
During the session, one particular answer from Kimmich sparked a lot of buzz among the Barcelona fanbase.
This comes after the 29-year-old, frequently linked with a move to Camp Nou in recent years, referred to two Blaugrana legends as his ‘idols’ in the sport.
“Barça and the Spanish national team left their mark on me. Xavi and Guardiola were my idols. Guardiola’s Barca was a revolution.”
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