A major shakeup is on the horizon for the goalkeeper position at FC Bayern this coming summer. With Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich, two long-time key players could be set to end their careers. Club officials therefore want to clarify the situation soon and have apparently already set a specific date for the decisive talks.
As reported by *kicker*, the Munich club intends to discuss the athletic futures of both veterans before Christmas. Both 40-year-old Neuer and 38-year-old Ulreich have contracts that expire at the end of the current season.
The trend seems clear. According to the trade magazine, there are strong indications that both goalkeepers will retire in the summer of 2027. However, a final decision has not yet been made.
Bayern aims to provide clarity by Christmas
These discussions are of great importance to the leadership of the German record champions. After all, future roster planning depends directly on what decisions Neuer and Ulreich make.
For Neuer in particular, a departure would mark the end of an era. The 2014 World Cup champion has been a mainstay in Bayern’s goal for more than 15 years and is one of the most successful players in the club’s history.
Recently, however, the captain has suffered yet another health setback. Due to a partial tendon tear in his right foot, Neuer is expected to be sidelined until Christmas.
His injury gives Jonas Urbig the opportunity to prove himself as the starting goalkeeper over an extended period. The 23-year-old is already considered Neuer’s designated successor.
Given his age and his long-standing role as a backup, there are also strong indications that Ulreich may be set to retire from active soccer.
Baumann and Leno are on the wish list
If both veterans do indeed end their careers, Munich would have to sign at least one new goalkeeper.
According to Sky, Oliver Baumann of TSG Hoffenheim is a top candidate. The 36-year-old is currently considered the preferred choice to back up Urbig.
Bernd Leno is also a candidate of interest. The former German national team player is under contract with Fulham FC, but his contract expires next summer. This means he could move to Munich on a free transfer.
Loris Karius is also among the candidates. As recently reported on the BILD podcast “Bayern Insider,” Bayern holds the 33-year-old in high regard from a sporting perspective.
However, there are several question marks surrounding Karius. The Schalke goalkeeper would have to settle for the role of backup. Additionally, a transfer fee would likely be required for him.
Bayern also faces the possibility of Prescott’s departure
Munich must make important decisions not only regarding experienced goalkeepers. The future of young prospect Leonard Prescott also remains uncertain.
The 17-year-old’s contract also expires in the summer of 2027. According to *kicker*, there are currently many indications that he will leave the club.
Prescott is considered a promising young goalkeeper, but given the club’s long-term plans with Urbig, he sees only limited opportunities for regular playing time with the first team.
Bayern had recently tried to convince the youngster to extend his contract.
Should Prescott also leave the club, the club’s management would have to consider filling the third goalkeeper position as well.
However, concrete talks with potential new signings are not expected to begin until Neuer and Ulreich have clarified their futures. In this way, Bayern aims to show the necessary respect to these two long-standing key players.
By Christmas at the latest, it should become clear what the goalkeeping shake-up at the German record champions might look like next summer.