Manuel Neuer’s Bayern Future: Backup Options Jonas Urbig, Oliver Baumann
Bayern’s search for a Neuer successor
As Bild reporter Julian Agardi explains in the Bayern Insider podcast, officials are exploring alternatives if Manuel Neuer, who celebrates his 40th birthday this Friday, decides to retire.
Oliver Baumann: Experienced option from Hoffenheim
The TSG Hoffenheim goalkeeper is no stranger to Munich; Bild notes he had been on the list before and could see himself moving to the record champions as a backup. Since then, Oliver Baumann has made his mark in the DFB squad and is a reliable option for Germany, especially if Marc-Andre ter Stegen fails to recover for the World Cup.
Jonas Urbig: The internal candidate
A solution could come from within the club’s own ranks: Jonas Urbig, who picked up an injury whilst on international duty on Thursday, is seen as a potential successor and could be groomed to become the new number one.
Contract outlook and Neuer’s decision
Several key players have contracts expiring in 2026, including Manuel Neuer (39 years), Sven Ulreich (37 years), Raphael Guerreiro (32 years) and Leon Goretzka (31 years). Neuer’s future remains uncertain; he is working on his comeback following a calf injury and, according to the Abendzeitung, the decisive factor is whether his body will allow him to play another season at the highest level.
- Manuel Neuer – Goalkeeper, 39 years old, contract ends 2026
- Sven Ulreich – Goalkeeper, 37 years old, contract ends 2026
- Oliver Baumann – TSG Hoffenheim goalkeeper, DFB squad regular
- Jonas Urbig – Bayern prospect, injured on international duty
“This scenario cannot be ruled out – particularly if Hoffenheim fail to qualify for the Champions League and changes are also on the horizon for the German national team.” – Bayern Insider
One thing is clear: FC Bayern are setting the course for the future, and Oliver Baumann could – despite his new role in the national team – become a surprising option as an experienced backup.
