There is still a big question mark over Manuel Neuer’s sporting future at FC Bayern. The 39-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the current season, and a decision on his future is deliberately not yet being made. The club and player have agreed to take their time to bring the season to a close before entering into concrete talks
While the record champions have long since established facts for other key players, there is conspicuous restraint in the goalkeeper position. Serge Gnabry has already extended his contract, Dayot Upamecano is about to sign and those responsible are also in an initial exchange with Harry Kane. At Säbener Straße, there is internal talk of so-called „internal transfers“, which currently have top priority. Manuel Neuer is not yet one of them
Bayern deliberately do not set a deadline
Recent media reports had suggested that a decision on Neuer could be made during the international break in March. However, sporting director Max Eberl clearly rejected this speculation. Before the cup tie against RB Leipzig, the 52-year-old made it clear that there is no fixed date for talks. „Manu will be 40 in March and then we will look at the end of the season,“ Eberl stated unequivocally
This means that the direction is clear: FC Bayern would like to assess Neuer’s sporting development, his physical condition and his performance over the entire season. Only then will a decision be made together with the player as to whether and in what form a collaboration beyond the summer makes sense. There is obviously no pressure at Säbener Straße
Neuer himself is also conspicuously reticent to make public statements about his future. The only thing that is clear is that the captain would in principle be open to another season at FC Bayern – provided his body cooperates and he continues to feel up to the task. After several injury-ridden years, it is precisely this aspect that plays a central role
Urbig moves into position as clear successor
Regardless of the outcome of the talks with Neuer, Bayern have long since made provisions. A potential successor, Jonas Urbig, is already in place. The 22-year-old is firmly planned within the club as the future number one and is gradually gaining important experience at the highest level
Coach Vincent Kompany emphasized that the young keeper’s development is no coincidence: „We discussed Jonas Urbig’s progress and the plans for his development with him some time ago. He has already played important games for us,“ explained the Belgian, making it clear that Urbig is being built up deliberately
The club also sees Neuer’s role with Urbig in a positive light, with the veteran considered an important mentor who passes on his knowledge and experience – regardless of whether he himself will be between the posts for another season
The decision on Neuer’s future sends out an enormous signal for FC Bayern. On the one hand, it is about the sporting quality of one of the most successful goalkeepers in the club’s history and, on the other, about the transition into a new era. Those responsible do not want to rush this process or charge it with emotion
One thing is certain: there will be a decision – but not before time. Until then, Neuer will remain the undisputed back-up in the Bayern goal. Everything else will only be clarified once the season is over and all the facts are on the table.