Bayern Munich's 10 best signings of the decade (2010-2019)

#2 Manuel Neuer (2011)

Manuel Neuer became known as the original sweeper-keeper after moving to Bayern in 2011

It seems hard to believe now, but when Manuel Neuer made his move to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2011 as a free agent, some fans of the Bavarian club were unhappy with the fact that they’d signed a former Schalke player. Almost a decade on, it’d probably be hard to find a fan of Die Roten who doesn’t adore the goalkeeper, who is usually considered amongst the best in the world in his position.

Neuer had a fantastic beginning to his Bayern career, going over 1000 minutes without conceding a goal to break the club’s record for competitive clean sheets, and he also helped his new side to the Champions League final – saving a penalty from the great Cristiano Ronaldo in Bayern’s semi-final win over Real Madrid. But it was under Pep Guardiola – who took charge at the Allianz from the start of the 2013-14 season – that the keeper’s reputation really soared.

Widely recognised as the first ‘sweeper-keeper’, Neuer’s skill with the ball at his feet meant that Bayern essentially used him as an extra outfield player, revolutionising the role of goalkeeper in the process. Guardiola eventually departed Bayern at the end of the 2015-16 season – but Neuer has continued to have success at the club, becoming club captain from the summer of 2017. He’s won an incredible 18 trophies at Bayern, and in 2014, finished 3rd in the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.