At FC Bayern, plans are underway for the post-Manuel Neuer era. In this context, an old acquaintance is apparently back in the Munich club’s sights.
The goalkeeper situation at FC Bayern is likely to continue to occupy club officials in the coming months. Manuel Neuer has so far described retiring at the end of the current season as merely “likely,” while Jonas Urbig is being groomed internally as the long-term number one. Nevertheless, the Munich club is apparently still on the lookout for other options for its future goalkeeping lineup.
Johannes Schenk is reportedly back on the radar. According to tz, FC Bayern is considering a possible return for the 23-year-old, who is currently on loan to Belgian first-division club SK Beveren.
Schenk is actually under contract with SC Preußen Münster. After the Westphalian club’s relegation to the 3. Liga, the goalkeeper was loaned to Belgium to continue gaining playing experience at a high level. There, he has impressed with strong performances and, statistically speaking, ranks among the league’s most notable goalkeepers.
“I want to take on responsibility here, get the most out of myself, and take the next step in my development. On top of that, a move abroad is a valuable experience not only athletically but also personally,” Schenk explained to transfermarkt.de.
Bayern apparently still holds a buyback option.
For FC Bayern, the name Schenk is particularly interesting because of their close history together. The goalkeeper was trained at the club’s academy for years and played for the Munich team starting with the U17s. In 2023, he initially moved to Preußen Münster on loan, followed by a permanent transfer a year later.
Reportedly, Bayern secured a buyback option at the time of that transfer. It is precisely this option that could now become relevant again.
Schenk is under contract in Münster through 2028. According to tz, Bayern continues to closely monitor his development. In Belgium, the 23-year-old ranks among the league’s top five goalkeepers in both saves and goals prevented per 90 minutes.
Schenk himself is keeping his cards close to his chest regarding a possible return to Munich. “My time at FC Bayern was wonderful and formative for me, and I learned an incredible amount there. But generally speaking, I don’t dwell on any scenarios—I focus on my current situation. My goal is to continue developing, and I think it’s very important—especially as a young goalkeeper—to play regularly and gain match experience at a high level,” he told transfermarkt.de.
Schenk could be of particular interest to Bayern in the long term, mainly because, in addition to Urbig, other spots on the goalkeeping roster will need to be filled. If Neuer does indeed retire this summer, the club will need a new structure in place behind his designated successor.
Whether Schenk will actually return to Säbener Straße remains to be seen. One thing is clear, however: thanks to a buyback option and his strong development in Belgium, the former Campus goalkeeper remains an intriguing prospect for FC Bayern.