Will Manuel Neuer return to the German national team after all? Apparently there are growing indications within the DFB that Julian Nagelsmann could nominate the Bayern captain for the World Cup
As reported by kicker, the personnel issue of Manuel Neuer is being discussed much more intensively within the German Football Association than Julian Nagelsmann has publicly indicated so far
According to the report, there are increasing signs behind the scenes that the national team coach could include the 40-year-old in his final World Cup squad. The topic is apparently being controversially debated internally. According to the report, FC Bayern are also aware that a return of the long-serving national goalkeeper to the World Cup could become a realistic possibility
On Monday, the DFB had to submit a provisional list of 55 players to FIFA, including at least five goalkeepers. Although the list is not publicly available, according to kicker „one can assume“ that Manuel Neuer is on it
In addition to the Bayern captain, Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nübel, Finn Dahmen and Jonas Urbig are also among the nominated goalkeepers
However, the final decision will not be made until the next few days, as Julian Nagelsmann will announce his final World Cup squad on May 21
Relationship between Neuer and Nagelsmann stable again
In recent months, both Neuer and Nagelsmann have repeatedly emphasized that they now have a very good relationship again
According to the report, the tensions from January 2023 have long since been resolved. Back then, Nagelsmann had dismissed his close confidant Toni Tapalovic as Bayern coach during Neuer’s serious leg injury, which caused great internal unrest. However, the two are now in regular contact again
This could open the door to another World Cup for Neuer after all. The Bayern keeper had originally already ended his career with the national team, but could now apparently make a surprising comeback.