Manuel Neuer

Thomas Kraft – German twenty two year old and Germany under-22 international, who has a coming of sorts on the international scene, had shocked the world with a superb performance against Inter Milan. Man of the Match performance, who twelve months back, was playing in the third division for FC Bayern Munich II the third choice keeper, to first choice displacing the ever so reliable Bayern ex no. 1 and a true sportsman Hans Jorg-Butt.  Thomas Kraft’s emergence has been super similar to namesake world cup golden boot winner and close friend Thomas Muller.

Thomas Kraft has already announced that if the German champions sign Schalke No. 1 Manuel Neuer, Kraft will leave as his position as the club no. 1 will seriously be threatened as he would fall down the pecking order once again. And at his age he feels he needs to play every game in order to reach the world class potential he has shown time and again.

Speaking to the BILD Kraft was quoted saying. “If Manuel Neuer comes, I will leave, there would be no sense in me staying.”

Schalke have been in financial trouble, and with their domestic performances not improving and  an impossible chance of qualifying for the Champions League, which Neuer definitely has stated he doesn’t want to miss out on he has found it extremely difficult to hold on to their prized asset. English Giants Manchester United too has been interested in the player but has now decided to focus on Ajax keeper Maarten Stekelenburg as they feel Neuer will end up as Bayern No. 1.

If rumors are to be believed it is said that both the clubs have agreed on contractual terms and the player too has agreed to join Bavaria in the summer, displeasing a large number of fans who feel, Kraft is the heir to Kahn having been brought up in Munich, the fans feel the club is in his blood. They would be prouder having Kraft play for them rather than the talent from Gelsinkirchen.

It looks as though the Bayern directors are hell bent on bringing Neuer to Munich with the club honorary president and legend Franz Beckenbauer and skipper Phillip Lahm too supporting Bayern signing the No. 1.

Beckenbauer said. “For me Neuer is currently the greatest goalkeeper in the world. We have to get him.”

Lahm echoed his sentiments. “Kraft is a huge talent no doubt, But Neuer is world class.”

Only time will tell what happens in this merry-go-round stay tuned.

Tags: FC Bayern Munich, Football, Hans Jorg-Butt, Manuel Neuer, Thomas Kraft