[2008] Manuel Neuer (Schalke 04)

this post was published exactly one year ago:


Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that Barcelona is closely following Schalke 04 goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (21). The player caught the attention of the Barcelona scouts rather accidentally when they were spying on other Schalke players. Barcelona has now several detailed and very positive scouting reports about the German youth international.

Because the contract of Barcelona second goalkeeper Albert Jorquera (29) expired in June of this year and it was believed he could leave to have more playing time elsewhere, Barcelona has been seriously looking to transfer another goalkeeper who could rival with regular Víctor Valdés (26). Neuer was one of the names on the list of the technical staff.

The situation nevertheless changed when Jorquera got injured last December and Barcelona had to hurry to bring in a reliable back-up for Valdés. During the January transfer window, the club transferred Celta Vigo goalkeeper José Manuel Pinto (32) on loan until the end of the season, with an option for a permanent deal (read more here). Meanwhile, the contract of Albert Jorquera has been renewed for two more years (read more here). Because of the seriousness of Jorquera’s injury, who could not be totally fit when the new season starts, there still would be a possibility a new goalkeeper will be looked for.


Read more 7 March 2008 news:
Mourinho checkmate
Garay not for now