When will there be a changing of the guard in FC Bayern’s goal? Jonas Urbig is considered the designated successor to Manuel Neuer, but the 22-year-old is in no hurry
Manuel Neuer has been the face between the posts of the German record champions since 2011. But the 39-year-old’s contract expires in the summer and his future is open. While talks about a possible extension are said to be taking place around his 40th birthday at the end of March, another player is increasingly coming into focus: Jonas Urbig
The 22-year-old has repeatedly been given playing time this season when Neuer has been rested. It’s actually a classic constellation – the experienced top dog and the pressing talent behind him. But what we’re now hearing from the club’s inner circle is surprising
In the BILD podcast Bayern Insider, Christian Falk and Heiko Niedderer report that Urbig is apparently not at all pushing to become the clear number 1 immediately. On the contrary: internally, he is said to see it quite positively if Neuer stays on for another year and gradually takes on more responsibility himself
A remarkable attitude for a young goalkeeper at a club like FC Bayern, where the pressure is traditionally enormous. Urbig seems to be realistic about the situation. Anyone who follows directly in the footsteps of a legend like Neuer is inevitably in the spotlight. Every mistake is analysed, every uncertainty discussed
That’s why Urbig would welcome a Neuer extension
This is obviously exactly where Urbig’s calculation lies. As long as Neuer is still there, there is a kind of safety net. Mistakes are allowed, development steps can take place within a protected framework. The past has shown how difficult an abrupt inheritance in the Bayern goal can be. The name Michael Rensing is warning enough
A model with a clear distribution of roles but an increasing share for Urbig would therefore also be conceivable for the coming season. Instead of making occasional appearances, the 22-year-old could be called upon much more frequently – perhaps every third or even every second game. A gentle transition instead of a radical changing of the guard
In the end, it all depends on Neuer. If the world champion decides to stay on for another year, the goalkeeping duel will be settled internally. If Bayern decide not to extend his contract, things would have to be clarified more quickly
One thing is certain: Urbig is going his own way with remarkable calm, and it is precisely this calmness that could ultimately be his greatest strength.