Manuel Neuer will be sidelined for an extended period. FC Bayern officials may become active in the transfer market this winter. A decision has now been made on this matter.
Despite Manuel Neuer’s injury, FC Bayern does not plan to sign an additional goalkeeper this winter. According to information from Sport BILD, club officials are confident in their current roster and expect their captain to be fully fit again by January at the latest.
Until then, Jonas Urbig will take over between the posts. Sven Ulreich will serve as the experienced backup behind the 23-year-old. As things stand, the Munich club therefore does not consider a short-term transfer necessary.
Neuer suffered a partial tendon tear in his right foot during the 2-1 win in Mainz. According to the report, the injury affects the same area where he has been experiencing discomfort since mid-October. The 40-year-old is expected to be sidelined until Christmas.
Bayern is counting on Neuer’s full recovery
The top priority now is for the captain to fully recover from his injury. Bayern intends to give him the time he needs to do so. The goal: By the decisive phase of the season in the spring, both Neuer and Urbig should be available and in the best possible physical condition.
According to the report, Neuer is expected to resume his role as the starting goalkeeper upon his return. At the same time, Urbig is scheduled to see further playing time in the second half of the season. Bayern aims to use this to further his development and manage the workload on their captain.
During his injury layoff, the lineup behind Urbig and Ulreich will remain flexible. A permanent third-string goalkeeper will not be promoted from the youth ranks to the first team on a long-term basis. Instead, depending on need, goalkeepers from the U23 and U19 teams will be integrated into training and the matchday roster.
The decision not to make a winter transfer should be distinguished from the planning for the upcoming season. For the long-term backup behind Urbig, Bayern is considering several experienced candidates. Among others, Oliver Baumann, Bernd Leno, and Loris Karius are on the list.
As for Neuer, meanwhile, there are strong indications that the current season will be his last as a professional. According to information from Sport BILD, the latest setback has reinforced this view on both sides. However, an end to his career has not yet been publicly confirmed.
For now, this does not necessitate any additional action in January. Bayern plans to cover for Neuer’s absence internally and enter the second half of the season with their recovered captain and Urbig.