Manuel Neuer ’s latest injury is causing growing concern at FC Bayern. After tearing a tendon in his right foot, the 40-year-old is expected to be sidelined for about two months. While Jonas Urbig will take his place between the posts for the time being, calls for an additional goalkeeper are now growing louder. BILD reporter Johannes Berner sees an urgent need for action and is urging the Munich club to become active in the transfer market as early as this winter.
Neuer was injured again during the 2-1 away win against Mainz 05 and had to be substituted before halftime. This is yet another setback in a season in which the Bayern captain has repeatedly struggled with physical problems. After several muscle injuries, his right foot in particular is causing him increasing difficulties.
For Berner, therefore, the time has come for club officials to rethink their current goaltending strategy. In a commentary for BILD, the journalist pays tribute to Neuer’s extraordinary career but at the same time warns of the risks that his ongoing injury problems pose for the record champions.
Goalkeeper situation poses too many risks
“Bayern must sign a new goalkeeper this winter,” is Berner’s clear demand.
The journalist is not suggesting that Jonas Urbig lacks the quality to serve as Neuer’s replacement. On the contrary: the 23-year-old has the potential to adequately fill in for the injured captain until Christmas.
Berner sees the real problem, rather, in the lack of backup for the remainder of the season. “But this goalkeeper situation now poses too great a risk for the club. That’s why Bayern must act this winter,” the BILD reporter emphasizes.
In his opinion, the Munich club needs an experienced third goalkeeper who can step in immediately if necessary.
Berner suggests Bernd Leno as a possible solution. The 34-year-old is currently under contract with Fulham FC and has many years of experience in the Bundesliga and the Premier League.
According to Berner, Leno could be looking for a new challenge with half a year left on his contract.
Baumann is Bayern’s top choice—Karius is also on the list
It’s interesting to note in this context that Bayern is already considering several experienced goalkeepers. However, their plans so far are primarily focused on the upcoming season.
As reported by Sky, Oliver Baumann of TSG Hoffenheim is currently considered the preferred choice to back up Jonas Urbig.
The 36-year-old brings a wealth of Bundesliga experience and would fit the desired profile from a sporting perspective. However, there’s one major catch: Baumann wants to break the Bundesliga appearance record. He is still about 70 games short of the record. A move to the Munich bench could make this goal considerably more difficult to achieve.
Leno is also among the candidates. According to Sky, the former national team goalkeeper is open to the idea of a move to FC Bayern in principle and would apparently be willing to take a backseat to Urbig. He would also be drawn to the closer proximity to his home in the Stuttgart area.
However, Fulham holds an option to extend Leno’s contract, which expires this summer.
Loris Karius is apparently a new addition to the list. The 33-year-old currently plays for Schalke 04 and has drawn attention with strong performances. In the scoreless draw against Bayern, the former Liverpool goalkeeper impressed with several saves.
Munich is reportedly keeping a close eye on his development and considering him as a potential alternative for the role of an experienced backup goalkeeper.
Whether any of the three candidates would be available as early as this winter remains to be seen, however. No concrete transfer negotiations have been reported so far.
Concerns about Neuer and Urbig: Is Ulreich enough as a backup?
Berner sees the greatest danger as the season enters its decisive phase in the spring.
Even if Neuer were to return from his injury layoff in early 2027, it remains uncertain whether the 40-year-old’s body will be able to withstand the strain until the end of the season.
Should Neuer be sidelined again and Urbig also get injured at the same time, Bayern would have to rely on Sven Ulreich.
Although the 38-year-old enjoys great trust within the club, he currently has very little competitive playing time. Ulreich hasn’t played in a competitive match since mid-March. In his last appearance against Bayer Leverkusen, he also suffered a torn muscle.
For a club aiming to compete for titles in the Bundesliga, DFB Cup, and Champions League, Berner considers this scenario too risky. “Bayern’s management must take precautions this winter,” the journalist therefore urges.
Club officials are already working on long-term goalkeeper planning. Given that Neuer is likely to retire in the summer of 2027, Urbig is set to become the permanent No. 1. The club is looking for an experienced backup who can support the 23-year-old and step in when needed.
However, the Bayern captain’s recent injury could argue in favor of bringing this personnel decision forward.