Manuel Neuer has endured a tricky 2024/25 campaign until now. He has finally shown a significant decline in his performance levels, which is understandable since he is at the end of his career. However, Bayern Munich has emphatically defended the German star despite criticism from pundits and the German media.
Bayern have further backed Neuer by keeping him at the club for one more season. According to Sky Sports in Germany, Die Roten have agreed a new one-year contract extension with Neuer. The Bavarian giants plan to announce the contract extension once Neuer signs the dotted line.
Neuer is currently the first-choice goalkeeper for Bayern. He is expected to continue in the goal for the rest of the season once he recovers from a rib injury. It remains to be seen whether there will be any change in the pecking order in the goal despite the contract extension of Neuer.
With Neuer signing a new deal, Sven Ulreich may also get a contract extension for one more year. Ulreich enjoys a good relationship with Neuer, and both push each other hard in the training. He has been an able deputy for Neuer over the last few seasons.
Alexander Nubel likely to stay at VfB Stuttgart for one more season
Bayern had extended Alexander Nubel’s contract earlier this year after his impressive last season at VfB Stuttgart. The Bavarian club decided to send him out on loan to Stuttgart for two more years. Bayern reportedly had the break clause to bring Nubel back at the end of the season, but Neuer’s contract extension will put an end to these rumours.
Nubel is a prime candidate to succeed Neuer at Bayern in the long run. Since Neuer will stay in Munich, Nubel would prefer to stay at Stuttgart and get regular game time. He is getting exposure to Champions League football with Stuttgart this season.
Bayern are also monitoring other goalkeepers to prepare for life after Neuer. They are closely monitoring Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen. The Dutch goalkeeper has been impressing for Brighton this season in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Daniel Peretz is expected to go out on loan in the summer. The Israeli goalkeeper made three starts in a row after Neuer suffered the injury against Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB Pokal. Peretz is rated highly at Bayern, but he needs regular game time next season. Several clubs across Europe showed interest in Peretz during the last summer transfer window.
As things stand, the immediate future of Bayern’s goalkeeping department lies in the hands of Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich.