A major shakeup in the goalkeeper position appears to be on the horizon for FC Bayern this coming summer. According to the Abendzeitung München, Manuel Neuer is nearing the end of his impressive career. Sven Ulreich is also expected to hang up his cleats. This means the Munich club will not only have to prepare for a new No. 1 but also sign an experienced backup goalkeeper.
Neuer’s successor appears to have already been decided. Jonas Urbig is set to take over as the permanent starter between the posts starting in the 2027–28 season. The 23-year-old has impressed with strong performances in recent months and is considered a long-term solution for Bayern’s goal.
However, it remains to be seen who will take on the role of number 2 in the future. Club officials are looking for an experienced goalkeeper who can support Urbig, is comfortable with a backup role, and is ready to step in immediately if needed. Three prominent candidates appear to be in the spotlight.
Karius, Leno, and Baumann on Bayern’s list
As reported by Sky, the Munich club is considering Loris Karius, Bernd Leno, and Oliver Baumann.
Karius, in particular, would be an interesting prospect. The 33-year-old has established himself as a reliable presence at FC Schalke 04, and his reflexes make him one of the most impressive goalkeepers in the Bundesliga.
However, the question remains whether the former Liverpool goalkeeper would give up his starting spot at Schalke for a backup role at FC Bayern.
Another option is Bernd Leno. The 34-year-old is under contract with Fulham FC and has been one of the most consistent German goalkeepers for years. A move to Munich could give him the chance to compete for major titles once again toward the end of his career.
Baumann is also still being mentioned. The 36-year-old is a mainstay at TSG Hoffenheim and has plenty of Bundesliga experience. However, his contract runs through 2028, so Bayern would have to pay a transfer fee for the former national team goalkeeper.
Bayern don’t want a young backup goalkeeper
According to information from the Abendzeitung München, the club’s own young goalkeepers, Leonard Prescott and Jannis Bärtl, are currently not really being considered for the role of new No. 2.
Instead, club officials want to give the two young talents regular playing time. Especially at their age, athletic development is more important than a spot on Bayern’s bench.
This points to a clear strategy: Urbig is to be developed as the young No. 1, while an experienced goalkeeper backs him up.
The record champions have had a similar setup for many years with Neuer and Ulreich.
Urbig is also on the rise with the DFB
While Munich has apparently already mapped out its goalkeeping future, Urbig will have to be patient for now with the German national team.
National team coach Jürgen Klopp is currently relying on Marc-André ter Stegen as the No. 1. For now, the 23-year-old Bayern keeper must settle for the role of challenger.
Sky expert Dietmar Hamann, however, cannot understand this decision and recently questioned ter Stegen’s performances.
Klopp, on the other hand, defended his choice by pointing to the Ajax goalkeeper’s strong season and his experience.
At FC Bayern, on the other hand, the decision in favor of Urbig seems to have been made long ago. According to information from the AZ, the second goalkeeper position is expected to be finalized by spring at the latest.
This could allow the Munich club to finally set the course for the post-Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich era.