In the winter of 2025, FC Bayern signed goalkeeper Jonas Urbig from 1. FC Köln. The record champions paid around seven million euros for the up-and-coming talent at the time.
A sum that has clearly paid off in full. Urbig has already proven himself to be a capable backup for starting goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and is expected to succeed him once Neuer retires, which is likely to happen in the summer of 2027.
In the Bundesliga, Urbig has played a total of 22 games so far, and he has taken the field seven times in the Champions League. He is also expected to see some playing time this season so he can prepare for his time as the number one goalkeeper.
Urbig Explains His Reasons for Joining Bayern
For some experts, the move to Munich in 2025 came as quite a surprise—especially with the example of Alexander Nübel still fresh in their minds. Nübel joined Bayern from Schalke at the time but never played a significant role there and was loaned out several times.
In an interview with the club’s member magazine “51,” Urbig has now explained why he decided to make the move to FC Bayern back then despite those circumstances.
“I saw this move as the best opportunity to develop further—with a very good goalkeeper coach, a strong group of goalkeepers, and a great team. That was a huge benefit for me. It wasn’t about which big names were playing here. For me, the key was becoming part of this group, developing as a player, and helping the team,” said Urbig.
He has no regrets about his decision. Above all, he was surprised by just how warm and welcoming the atmosphere at FC Bayern actually is.
“At first, I only knew the public image of FC Bayern. But once I got to know the club from the inside, I quickly sensed how down-to-earth and open the whole organization is. From the outside, this ‘Mia san mia’ often sounds like a cliché, but today I know: It’s truly lived out. And that feels really good. That was certainly one of the reasons why I felt like I was in the right place here very quickly,” the goalkeeper continued.