FC Bayern apparently expects Manuel Neuer to leave this summer. Nevertheless, there is a clear plan for the period following his return from injury.
The signs surrounding Manuel Neuer are increasingly pointing to him leaving after this season. According to information from the Abendzeitung München, FC Bayern officials internally expect the captain to end his career this summer. Even farewell interviews with the goalkeeper are reportedly already being prepared.
However, the 40-year-old has not yet publicly confirmed any decision. The latest reports describe the expectations and plans surrounding his future. Following his most recent injury setback, the question of what Neuer’s final months as a professional might look like has become even more pressing.
According to information from Sky as well, it is highly likely that he will end his career this summer. The network puts the probability of this at 99.9 percent. An early retirement during the current season is therefore not currently planned. Neuer’s goal remains to play out the season.
Neuer is expected to remain the number 1 goalkeeper upon his return
For the remainder of the season, Bayern apparently still envisions a clear division of roles. According to the AZ , Neuer is set to regain his starting spot once he recovers. His current injury absence would therefore not initially mean a permanent shift in favor of Jonas Urbig.
For now, however, the younger goalkeeper is stepping up. Neuer suffered a partial tendon tear in his right foot during the 2-1 win in Mainz. According to information from BILD, he faces a layoff of about two months. An exact return date depends on how well he heals.
While Urbig will be able to gain playing experience over an extended period, club officials are simultaneously preparing the goalkeeping roster for the post-Neuer era. According to Sky, preparations are underway to search for a new addition to the roster. Talks with Oliver Baumann, Bernd Leno, and other candidates have not yet taken place.
The club is looking for an experienced backup behind Urbig for the long term. Baumann is considered the preferred choice, while Leno and Loris Karius are also among the candidates. However, interest in these goalkeepers does not yet mean an agreement has been reached on a transfer.
This points to two different scenarios: According to the current plan, Neuer—once he’s fit to play again—is expected to retain his status through the end of the season. For the following season, however, Bayern is increasingly focusing on a future without its longtime captain.