Is Neuer retiring now? Bayern has already decided everything
Manuel Neuer could leave soccer at the end of the season: according to rumors inside Bayern Munich, this seems to be the orientation of the legendary German goalkeeper, who has been defending the German champions’ goal since 2011. The former German national team member is due to expire his contract in June, and will announce in the coming weeks the final decision on his future.
According to reports from Bayern Insider, the club will not be caught unprepared under any circumstances and has already outlined its plan in case of the great goalkeeper’s immediate farewell. Jonas Urbig will immediately become the starting goalkeeper: Bayern has invested in him and has no doubts. Moreover, the management has no intention of hiring any competitor who could challenge him for the number one spot.
Bayern Munich could sign a deputy goalkeeper, or retain one of the two players currently on loan, Alexander Nübel and Daniel Peretz, in the team. Denied, however, is interest in Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen from Brighton & Hove Albion. He is priced at 60 million euros and, as mentioned, Bayern is banking on Urbig for the starting spot.
If Neuer stays for another year, Urbig should in any case be given more space than this season, to gradually become Bayern Munich’s starting goalkeeper over the course of the year. One thing is certain, according to the rumors: Neuer would have no plans to move elsewhere to end his career. There are only two paths: retire now or retire in 2027, still as Bayern goalkeeper.
Neuer won in his time at Bayern twelve German championships, six German Cups, eight German Super Cups, two Champions Leagues, two UEFA Super Cups, and two FIFA Club World Cups. In Munich he has played 589 matches in all competitions so far.
