Before Daniel Peretz was signed, Spaniard Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea was FC Bayern’s ideal goalkeeper position. In fact, the 28-year-old’s move to Munich was, according to his own statement, close – but then Real Madrid knocked.
“Thomas Tuchel called me, I was about to go to Munich. The possibility was there because unfortunately a colleague was injured,” said Kepa in an interview with “Marca”.
The fact that he barely got any playing time under Tuchel at Chelsea didn’t bother the keeper. “Obviously it still feels good when a coach wants you on the team even though you haven’t played much under him,” said Kepa.
The fact that he ultimately said “no” to Bayern Munich was based on the fact that another, more attractive option opened up for him, explained the 13-time Spain international: “In the end, Real Madrid is Real Madrid. When Real Madrid calls, there is really nothing to think about.”
FC Bayern finds an alternative to Kepa in Israel
As a loan player, Kepa is also only a substitute for regular goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who has been out for several months due to a cruciate ligament rupture. In coach Carlo Ancelotti’s team, however, he already feels very comfortable.
“I already knew some of my team-mates. I also knew the city. Of course it’s easier for me to settle down here in Spain,” said the goalkeeper, who comes from the Athletic Bilbao youth team.
FC Bayern finally solved their goalkeeping problem by signing Daniel Peretz from Maccabi Tel Aviv. Five million euros went to Israel for the 23-year-old, his contract in Munich runs until 2028.
Peretz will initially be number two behind Sven Ulreich until Manuel Neuer comes back.