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Speculation about Borussia Mönchengladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer will never end. Sommer will become a free agent this summer, with moves to Bayern Munich and Manchester United, so he can start negotiations with a new club on January 1, 2023.

“There have been open discussions with him regarding my contractual situation and my future. [Gladbach] Before the World Cup,” Sommer said. “We will continue negotiations in the coming days in accordance with the agreement.”

At the bottom of that conversation is whether Gladbach will cash in on their keeper now if Sommer refuses to renew his contract. At the start of December, Gladbach told the media that they were unlikely to sell their keeper this winter. At that time, Manchester United were the only club interested.

Man United actually tried to sign the 34-year-old last summer. The Red Devils are set to make another attempt this winter, with Gladbach refusing any attempt.

However, things have changed since early December. Bayern Munich have identified Sommer as a short-term replacement for injured Manuel Neuer. Rekordmeister are currently eyeing Alexander Noble and Sommer as potential loan targets..

Gladbach are also aware that there is a possible transfer fee this winter, with two clubs interested. Gladbach are now ready to sell Sommer for around 5 million euros ($5.3 million), with Jan Olszowski becoming an attractive prospect.

It’s no surprise that interest in Somer is high. Although the 34-year-old is not the tallest goalkeeper in the Bundesliga (183cm), Sommer is considered a brilliant ball-keeper with playmaking skills shared by Neuer and Barca keeper Marc- Andre der Stegen.

According to statistics website WiseScout, Sommer is an outstanding shooter. Sommer’s 4.5 shots in 90 minutes is just behind Augsburg’s Raffael Kikiewicz (4.68). Sommer leads the league with 0.24 blocked goals per 90 minutes. According to Bundesliga stats alone, Sommer is fifth overall this season with 51 shots recorded in total.

Some of those talents really showed in their 1-1 draw with Bayern in the Bundesliga last August. Sommer was exceptional against Bayern in this match with an xG of 3.17.

This game is still in the interest of the decision-makers in Säbener Straße, so it’s no surprise that Sommer was immediately linked with Bayern when Neuer was injured. Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic must now decide between Nubel and Sommer this winter.

Ultimately, the decision will come down to which keeper is easier to find, and Sommer is still in play as Monaco Nobel is harder to recover. But even if a move to Bayern fails, at Man United other clubs are ready to pounce if Sommer becomes available.

Hosted by Manuel Veth Gegenpressing Podcast Bundesliga and area manager in the United States move. It has also been featured in the Guardian, Newsweek, Howler, Pro Soccer USA and many other outlets. Follow him on Twitter: @manuelved