Overview
- Manuel Neuer said last week at Bayern's Tegernsee training camp that it 'certainly looks' like he will stop after the 2026–27 season, and he remains under contract through 2027.
- Club executives led by Jan-Christian Dreesen, Max Eberl and Christoph Freund have discussed a formal succession plan with Neuer and told him the club's doors will be open for a post-playing advisory role.
- Bayern plans to increase Jonas Urbig's playing minutes this season, deliberately including important matches so the 22-year-old can learn to handle the pressure of being the club's No.1 from 2027–28.
- Urbig said he was surprised to hear Neuer's retirement comments but stressed that his relationship with Neuer, deputy Sven Ulreich and the goalkeeping group is strong.
- The move balances sporting succession with legacy preservation: Neuer is 40, remains influential and praised by figures like Uli Hoeneß, while Urbig—signed from Köln in January 2025—has already begun earning regular appearances and clean sheets.