Gregor Kobel set to become Switzerland's first-choice goalkeeper after Yann Sommer announces retirement

Yann Sommer has announced his retirement from the Switzerland national team, paving the way for Borussia Dortmund's Gregor Kobel to be their new first-choice goalkeeper.

Gregor Kobel is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world but has won only five caps for the Switzerland national team. He is set to feature more regularly now, with Yann Sommer calling time on his international career. The former Borussia Mönchengladbach and Bayern Munich goalkeeper announced the decision on Monday.

Sommer made his Switzerland debut in 2012 and enjoyed an exemplary career with the national team. He made a total of 94 international appearances and recently helped Switzerland reach the quarterfinals at Euro 2024.

While a decision on Switzerland's next first-choice goalkeeper will likely be made by head coach by head coach Murat Yakin during next month's international break, Kobel is primed to replace Sommer in goal.

The Borussia Dortmund shot-stopper has gone from strength to strength in recent years, and played a crucial role in the club's run to the UEFA Champions League final last season. Kobel sat on the bench for the entirety of this summer's European Championship. But now he is finally set to get his chance in the Switzerland goal.

If he is chosen as Switzerland's next first-choice goalkeeper, Kobel's maiden assignment would be in the UEFA Nations League. Switzerland are set to go up against Denmark and Spain next month, and will hope to make a run to the playoffs.

Gregor Kobel made his debut for the Switzerland national team in 2021, months after joining Borussia Dortmund from VfB Stuttgart. He featured for Switzerland once during the 2022 World Cup, and will hope to help them qualify for the next edition of the tournament in the coming months.