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Bayern Munich are reportedly considering three experienced goalkeepers as they prepare for a potential changing of the guard following Manuel Neuer’s anticipated retirement next summer. According to Sky Germany, Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann remains the preferred candidate, with Fulham’s Bernd Leno and Schalke 04’s Loris Karius also under consideration.
Bayern are increasingly expecting Neuer to retire at the conclusion of the 2026/27 season, although no final decision has been announced. The 40-year-old sustained a partial tendon tear in his right foot during Saturday’s 2-1 Bundesliga victory over Mainz and is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 calendar year.
Neuer nevertheless intends to recover from his latest setback and return to action in 2027 rather than bring his career to a premature conclusion. With Jonas Urbig already earmarked as Neuer’s long-term successor, Bayern’s recruitment efforts are focused on securing an experienced goalkeeper capable of providing competition and support for the 23-year-old.
Oliver Baumann remains Bayern Munich’s preferred candidate
Baumann reportedly sits at the top of Bayern’s shortlist, with the 36-year-old Hoffenheim captain considered particularly well suited to the role. The experienced German international has established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most consistent goalkeepers and would offer considerable leadership qualities alongside Urbig.
There are, however, potential complications surrounding a move to Munich. Baumann currently has 532 Bundesliga appearances and remains within reach of Karl-Heinz Körbel’s all-time record of 602. Moving to Bayern in a secondary role would significantly reduce his opportunities to pursue that milestone.
Baumann is also under contract at Hoffenheim until 2028, meaning Bayern would need to negotiate a transfer fee. No concrete talks between the clubs or the goalkeeper have reportedly taken place.
Loris Karius and Bernd Leno emerge as alternatives
Schalke goalkeeper Loris Karius is the newest name to emerge in Bayern’s search for an experienced understudy. The former Liverpool goalkeeper has rebuilt his career at Schalke, playing an important role in the club’s return to the Bundesliga. His performances have reportedly attracted Bayern’s attention, although a move remains at an exploratory stage.
Karius extended his contract with Schalke until 2028 earlier this year, meaning the Royal Blues would also be entitled to a transfer fee. Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno represents another possibility. The 34-year-old former Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal shot-stopper is reportedly open to returning to Germany and would be willing to accept a supporting role behind Urbig.
Leno’s current contract runs until June 2027, although Fulham retain an option to extend the agreement for another season. His potential availability on a free transfer would therefore depend on whether the Premier League club exercises that option.
Bayern Munich plan further goalkeeper discussions
The longer-term situation remains closely linked to the futures of Neuer and Sven Ulreich. According to Kicker, Bayern intend to hold discussions with both veteran goalkeepers before Christmas to determine whether either will continue beyond the current campaign.
Get German Football News has already reported that 17-year-old Leonard Prescott is increasingly likely to leave the club when his contract expires next summer, with the two parties holding differing views on his future. For now, Urbig will have an extended opportunity to demonstrate his readiness to succeed Neuer while Bayern continue evaluating their options for the next generation of goalkeepers at the Allianz Arena.
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