Bayern preparing for life after Neuer, German media report

German media report that Manuel Neuer is nearing the end of his career at Bayern Munich. The club’s sporting management is said to be almost convinced that the goalkeeper will end his playing career at the end of the current season, after 16 years at Bayern, Sky Sport reported.

That prospect comes amid uncertainty over his fitness. The report describes the injury as another setback for the goalkeeper.

Bayern is already preparing Jonas Urbig to succeed Neuer, but the club does not want to rely on him alone. Its management believes the squad also needs an experienced goalkeeper who can provide stability and competition. Oliver Baumann, who plays for Hoffenheim, is reportedly leading the list of candidates and has the sporting director’s support. The club is also considering Bernd Leno of Fulham, while Sky reports that Loris Karius has recently been added to the names under consideration.

Leno and Karius could be options for a reserve role. Karius, 33, is currently in his third season with Schalke, after spells at Liverpool and Newcastle United. Bayern has already selected Urbig as its first-choice goalkeeper for the next period.

The injury has renewed questions about whether Neuer can return to his usual level. Marcel Reif said on « Rave Live », a programme on Bild’s channel, that a recurrence in the same area could be a worrying sign. He said: « If Neuer suffers from problems in the same place after 30 minutes of every match he plays, we have to recognise that if this problem becomes chronic and continues to get worse, his professional career at this level could be over. »

Despite his recurring physical problems, Neuer is not said to be considering bringing forward his retirement. He hopes to recover, return to competition next year and finish the current season before deciding. Shorouk Sports reports that German media are now describing his situation as a dead end, while predictions that Bayern is preparing to say goodbye to one of its great goalkeepers are becoming more frequent. Retirement is being considered, but Neuer’s final decision is still to come.