Sven Ulreich to transfer to Hamburger SV

Bild reports that Sven Ulreich is about to transfer to Hamburger SV. That solves one awkward dilemma that Hansi Flick has had to face — the only case on the roster where the coach has too many players available. Flick was forced to banish one of the keepers to the stands on matchdays, opting to drop Nübel from the squad vs Hoffenheim (much to his camp’s consternation).

Ulreich will reportedly sign a three-year contract with Hamburg, which has played in the 2.Bundesliga since they were relegated in 2018. Bayern will receive a modest transfer fee of €2 million, since Ulreich is under contract until 2021.

Hamburg had inquired about Ron-Thorben Hoffmann, currently the starting keeper for FC Bayern II after Christian Früchtl departed for Nürnberg on loan, but Bayern was not willing to part ways with Hoffmann.

Ulreich, a well-respected and popular veteran, was the obvious next-best option. Ulreich’s transfer to Hamburg will give him an opportunity to play as first keeper again in the twilight of his career, give Hamburg an outstanding professional, and give Bayern the ability to cement Nübel’s status as Manuel Neuer’s understudy as their no. 2 keeper.

UPDATE: Bayern paying large part of Ulreich’s 2020/21 salary

Bayern Munich is apparently doing its part to help Ulreich, Hamburg, and themselves by paying over 80 percent of Ulreich’s salary this season, according to Sport1’s Florian Plettenberg.