Bayern sells goalkeeper Nübel to Besiktas Istanbul for 6.5 million euros

According to "Sky," the transfer fee for Nübel amounts to a fixed 6.5 million euros. An additional five million euros in bonus payments may be added. According to Turkish media reports, Besiktas is also paying a five million euro transfer fee, which can increase by five million euros through bonus payments. If the bonuses are fully met, Nübel would be the fifth German goalkeeper to cost a double-digit million sum.

The fact that Nübel is leaving the club for a sum well below his market value of twelve million euros is, according to "Sky," due to his salary in Munich. This is said to have most recently amounted to approximately ten million euros gross per year. At Besiktas, he is reportedly receiving five million euros net per season.

Stations and prospects

Nübel moved to Munich on a free transfer from FC Schalke 04 in the summer of 2020. Over the following six years, however, he made only four competitive appearances for FC Bayern. From 2021 to 2023, he was loaned out to AS Monaco, followed by a loan to VfB Stuttgart. The prospect of regular playing time in Munich had not materialized of late.

According to "Sky," Eberl had informed Nübel's agency several weeks ago that the goalkeeper should not appear for the squad photo and pre-season preparations when Bayern starts training on July 20. This set the direction of the transfer early. Jonas Urbig is apparently planned as his successor in the goalkeeping position at the German record champion.

Besiktas Istanbul will be coached by Vincenzo Italiano next season and, according to available data, has a squad of 34 players with a total market value of 1.05 billion euros. The club plays in the Turkish Süper Lig. For Nübel, following his stints in Gelsenkirchen, Munich, Monaco, and Stuttgart, Besiktas is his fifth professional station.

Consequences for Bayern and Besiktas

The departure ends one of the longest reserve roles in German professional football. Six years after his move to the Isar, Nübel had no longer found a sporting home at FC Bayern. In Istanbul, he is now expected to take on the role of first-choice goalkeeper and compete for titles at the Turkish top club.

From Bayern's perspective, the sale makes economic sense: the club saves on Nübel's high salary and, despite the low transfer fee compared to his market value, still receives a noteworthy sum. From Nübel's perspective, the move brings, after long years without Bundesliga playing time, the chance at a top team to take on sporting responsibility.

Bayern, meanwhile, is focusing on squad planning for the coming season. Coach Vincent Kompany most recently had a squad of 32 players at his disposal before Nübel, as the latest departure of the summer, left the club. The proceeds from the Nübel deal expand the options for further transfers in the goalkeeping position.

Overall, the transfer illustrates how complex the economic framework conditions in German professional football are. A player with a market value of twelve million euros is moving for 6.5 million euros plus bonuses because his previous salary exceeds his market value. Besiktas, in turn, is seizing the opportunity to sign an experienced German keeper who was trained internationally.