Schmeichel opens up on failed “dream” move to Bayern

Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has confirmed that he came close to joining Bayern Munich a couple of years ago.

When Manuel Neuer suffered a serious injury after the Qatar 2022 World Cup, Kasper Schmeichel was touted as a possible replacement at Bayern Munich.

Ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Bayern, the Celtic goalkeeper confirmed that he was indeed close to a move to the Bavarian giants.

Ultimately, however, the move fell through for reasons unknown, much to Schmeichel’s disappointment at the time.

“Yes, that’s correct, there were discussions about me joining Bayern. It was after Manuel Neuer got his injury at the World Cup a couple of years ago,” Schmeichel revealed at a press conference on Monday, as quoted by the Daily Mail. 

“Basically, everything was kind of agreed and it just fell through at the last second. You would have to ask Bayern what the problem was. Unfortunately, it didn’t materialize. It would have been a dream to have played for a club like this, but it wasn’t to be.

“I spoke to the hierarchy. I knew what my role was going to be. It was keeping the seat warm until Manuel came back. And I was more than fine with that. To have played for a club of this stature would have been more than enough. I said: “Send the contract”. I don’t even need to know what it is. I’ll sign it anyway.

“So, yeah, it would have been a dream come true, but it wasn’t to be. And it’s brought me here now with Celtic. I’m very happy with that as well,” said the Danish veteran goalkeeper.

Schmeichel and Celtic will be hoping to cause an upset against Bayern on Tuesday, having lost 1-2 at home in the first leg.