Bayern Munich has set its sights on Fulham’s starting goalkeeper, Bernd Leno.
Currently 34 years old, the Cottagers’ main shot-stopper has cemented his reputation as one of the English top flight’s most consistent performers since joining the West London club four seasons back.
Given his status as one of the more seasoned and long-standing members of Fulham’s squad, parting ways with Leno would represent a significant setback—nevertheless, the lure of the German powerhouses might prove impossible for him to resist.
Bernd Leno Targeted for Bayern Munich Transfer from Fulham
Reports from German publication BILD suggest that the Bundesliga champions are targeting Leno for a straightforward transfer to serve as the primary deputy to Manuel Neuer.
The ex-Arsenal goalkeeper is already familiar with this dynamic, having previously backed up Neuer on the international stage, which restricted him to merely nine caps for Germany since earning his maiden call-up in 2016.
However, following Neuer’s retirement from the national team at age 40 earlier this summer, and with him embarking on his 16th year at the Allianz Arena, an opening could emerge for Leno to challenge his veteran compatriot if he decides to make the switch.
Statistically, the keeper has ranked among the Premier League’s top performers over the past ten years, meaning he could mount a genuine challenge for the starting spot—or at minimum, inherit the role once Neuer eventually decides to retire.
Leno is far from the first keeper to head to Munich in recent years with the goal of competing against the long-standing Die Roten skipper.
Back in 2020, the club secured the signing of the highly-rated Alexander Nubel from Schalke. When questioned about the arrival, Neuer dismissed the significance of the 23-year-old’s signing as “unimportant” to his own position—and indeed, the Gelsenkirchen native went on to lead his club to a historic six-trophy haul that same year.
Similarly, Yann Sommer and Daniel Peretz both arrived at the Allianz Arena in backup roles—with Sommer recruited hastily after Neuer suffered a broken leg during a skiing mishap—yet neither keeper succeeded in permanently displacing the veteran.
Fortunately for Fulham, they are under no pressure to sanction a sale for their primary goalkeeper.
According to reports from the BBC, the German shot-stopper departed Arsenal for a modest £8 million—a highly economical transfer at the time—and because the Craven Cottage side retains an option to prolong his stay until 2028, they stand a good chance of recovering their initial investment.
Transfermarkt currently values Leno at €6m. The London club, still searching for their first victory, will face Ipswich Town once domestic league play resumes following the conclusion of the international break.
