Bayern Munich are planning for the post-Manuel Neuer era, with the retirement of the veteran German goalkeeper (40) at the end of the current season appearing a strong possibility, according to press reports, after he suffered a partial tear of the tendon in his right foot during the 2-1 win over Mainz on 7 November in the German league. Estimates suggest he will be out for between six weeks and two months, i.e. until the end of 2026, with an expected return after the winter break in January 2027.
What is driving Bayern to reshuffle the goalkeeping position?
The latest injury is the fourth time Neuer has had to leave the pitch during a match in 2026, an unprecedented situation in his career, as he has never been substituted more than twice in a single year. Neuer has 607 matches for Bayern and is under contract with the club until the end of June 2027.
Sepp Maier, Bayern’s goalkeeping legend, said it is time for Neuer to retire, pointing out that he has given a lot to football, won everything and has nothing left to prove. Maier added that the body can no longer withstand things the way the player would like, and that even Neuer cannot prevent that moment from arriving.
Urbig the heir and Baumann top of the list
Club officials have internally settled on promoting Jonas Urbig (23) to be the first-choice goalkeeper from next season, after he played 8 matches this season in Neuer’s absence. At the same time, the management is looking for an experienced goalkeeper to take on the backup role and provide internal competition, with Oliver Baumann (36), the Hoffenheim goalkeeper, topping the list of candidates thanks to his experience, knowledge of the German league and previous work with goalkeeping coach Michael Rechner.
The management is also considering other options, including Bernd Leno, the Fulham goalkeeper, whose contract with his club expires at the end of the season with an option to extend, and Loris Karius, the Schalke goalkeeper (33), who has recently entered the list of candidates.
Third-choice goalkeeper Sven Ulreich is also expected to retire at the end of the season, forcing the management to reshape the entire goalkeeping group.
InfoSport numbers
- 607 matches Neuer has played for Bayern Munich so far.
- 4 times Neuer has had to leave the pitch during a match in 2026.
- 8 matches Urbig has played this season in Neuer’s absence.
The question remains for Bayern fans: will the club settle the identity of the first-choice goalkeeper as soon as possible as Maier demanded, or will the rotation between Neuer and Urbig continue until the end of the season?
