FC Bayern could see a major shakeup in the goalkeeper position this coming summer. Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich may be nearing the end of their playing careers. If that’s the case, the Munich club would have to fill two positions at once.
There appears to be little doubt, however, about who the future No. 1 will be. According to information from *kicker*, Jonas Urbig is set to take over as Bayern’s starting goalkeeper in the long term. The 23-year-old is viewed internally as the clear successor to Neuer and has already demonstrated in his appearances so far why the Munich club has high hopes for him.
It remains to be seen, however, what the goalkeeping rotation behind Urbig will look like in the future. If the currently most likely scenario plays out and Neuer retires after this season, Bayern will need at least one new goalkeeper.
If the expected retirement of 38-year-old Ulreich is added to the mix, the record champions could even sign two new goalkeepers this summer.
Bayern is looking for an experienced backup for Urbig
According to kicker, the focus of their planning is primarily on finding an experienced No. 2. The new goalkeeper is expected to provide Urbig with support while also possessing the quality needed to step in immediately if necessary.
As early as last spring, the Munich club was already exploring potential candidates. Daniel Heuer Fernandes of Hamburger SV was linked with Bayern at the time. However, after Neuer extended his contract by another year, the 33-year-old also signed a new deal with HSV through 2028.
Oliver Baumann of TSG Hoffenheim was also considered a possible option at the time. Whether the now 36-year-old will be back on the table next summer remains to be seen.
The general division of roles, however, seems clear: Bayern isn’t looking for a new goalkeeper to challenge Urbig for the starting spot. Rather, the former Cologne player is expected to establish himself as the permanent No. 1 following Neuer’s departure.
16-year-old Bayern prospect as the No. 3?
The plans for the third goalkeeper are also particularly interesting. Here, Bayern could opt for an internal solution.
With Leonard Prescott, the record champions have a highly talented goalkeeper from their own youth academy. The 16-year-old is already part of the German junior national team and could eventually be brought into the professional squad.
However, Prescott is still very young. Whether Bayern believes he is ready to take on the role of No. 3 as early as next season will therefore likely be carefully considered.
For Jannis Bärtl and Leon Klanac, on the other hand, *kicker* sees fewer prospects with the Bayern first team.
This signals a changing of the guard in goal. After many years with Neuer and Ulreich, Urbig could be the clear No. 1 in the future, flanked by an experienced new signing and possibly a talent from the club’s own academy.
Just how radical this shake-up actually turns out depends primarily on Neuer and Ulreich. Should both decide to leave in the summer, Bayern would have to almost completely rebuild its goalkeeping squad within a single transfer window.