Bayern Munich have begun planning for next season with the expectation that Manuel Neuer will retire at the end of the current campaign. The club have drawn up a shortlist of experienced goalkeepers and intend to sign one this summer.
According to Sky Germany, retirement is now seen within Bayern as the likeliest outcome for the 40-year-old, whose contract runs until June 2027. Neuer suffered another injury in the recent match against Mainz.
Bayern’s plan is to make Jonas Urbig their first-choice goalkeeper. They are looking for someone willing to start as his deputy who has enough experience to compete for the No. 1 spot and step in when needed.
Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann tops the shortlist. His consistency and years of Bundesliga experience make him Bayern’s preferred choice, according to the report.
Bernd Leno is also under consideration. His Fulham contract expires at the end of the season, although the English club have an option to extend it. The former Arsenal goalkeeper is open to returning to Germany and taking on a backup role in Munich.
Schalke goalkeeper Loris Karius is another candidate. He previously played in the Bundesliga for Mainz and started the 2018 Champions League final for Liverpool.
Neuer’s early exit against Mainz marked the fourth time he has been substituted during a match in 2026. Sky expects him to miss Bayern’s remaining fixtures this calendar year.
His absence gives Urbig a chance to take over in the coming weeks as Bayern prepare for a changing of the guard. Neuer has made 607 appearances for the club since joining from Schalke in 2011.
