At FC Bayern, a lot revolves around the goalkeeping question. Manuel Neuer will turn 40 in March and his future beyond 2026 is still open. Now Jan-Christian Dreesen has spoken publicly about the captain’s situation.
While everything is geared towards the second half of the 2025/26 season in sporting terms, Neuer remains one of the key issues at Säbener Straße. The long-serving regular keeper’s contract expires in the summer of 2026 and a decision on a possible extension has yet to be made.
In an interview with Sport BILD, CEO Dreesen commented: „We are in contact with Manu. We have known each other for a long time. He is a club legend and turns 40 this month. He is still playing at an incredible level and is still one of the best goalkeepers in the world. We should be grateful that he is with us. We will see what happens.“
End of career only in Munich?
According to information from kicker, Neuer has made his position clear internally. A move abroad is out of the question for him. The 39-year-old would like to end his career at FC Bayern – the only thing that remains open is the timing.
Those responsible are said to be prepared in principle to extend his contract by a further year. However, Neuer’s own assessment of his physical condition is crucial. If the goalkeeper continues to feel stable, a continuation until 2027 is conceivable.
At the same time, planning continues in the background. 22-year-old goalkeeper Jonas Urbig is under long-term contract and could take on more responsibility in the future. Should Neuer extend his contract, a model would be possible in which the experienced captain continues to play a leading role while Urbig is gradually introduced to more playing time.
If Neuer decides not to extend his contract, the record champions would have to react accordingly and sound out the market. In this case, it is likely that an experienced goalkeeper with the potential to become a regular behind Urbig would be signed. The course would therefore depend on one person in particular: Manuel Neuer.
