Player agent confirms contact with Bayern

On Wednesday, Bild reported that Bayern have been watching the development of Croatian goalkeeper Adrian Semper as a potential replacement for Manuel Neuer. The 20-year-old, who currently plays for Lokotmotiva Zagreb on loan from Dinamo Zagreb, is seen as the next big thing between the sticks for Croatia, which is why it shouldn’t be surprising to find out that Bayern aren’t the only club keeping tabs on the young shot-stopper.

According to a report in SportBild, Semper’s agent, Darko Alegic, addressed the rumors surrounding his client and Bayern Munich in an interview with Nova TV, a Croatian television station:

There is no point in denying something that is obvious. But I can also say that Bayern are not the only club currently watching him,” said Alegic.

As we we reported earlier earlier in the week, Semper brings along all the prerequisites to succeed in goal. Standing at 6’4”, he has good reflexes, is strong aerially as well as in one-on-one situations, and can distribute the ball out of the back, a vital skill for a Bayern goalkeeper.

Semper’s already impressive resume—over 40 appearances playing top-flight football, as well as two Champions League appearance, coupled with his recently extended contract through the 2022 season and a number of potential suitors—means that Zagreb would likely demand a hefty fee for the youngster, though Bayern have shown themselves more than willing to reach deep into their pockets for a young talent they are convinced can help the club down the line.

The 20-year-old would seem to be in direct competition with Christian Früchtl for the position of Manuel Neuer’s successor, a scenario that may come much sooner than many would like to admit. Should Bayern be lucky enough to acquire his services, a loan would seem like a logical step for Semper, as it’s unlikely he’d be content sitting on the bench for an extended period of time after having proven to be a viable option in goal at a very, very high level already.