It has been an incredible season for Bayern Munich until now. Every player has been in good form for Die Roten, specifically in the final third. The defense and goalkeeper have been equally impressive, even though they don’t get a lot of plaudits after every game.
Manuel Neuer has been impressive this season after a difficult last year. The experienced German goalkeeper’s qualities in possession have hardly shown any decline. There were questions over his shot-stopping last season, but he has looked solid in the goal for Die Roten.
Bayern are happy with Neuer's performances. The experienced goalkeeper will turn 40, and there is a good chance he will get another one-year deal. Die Roten will negotiate the new deal with the German World Cup winner during the second half of the season.
Despite Neuer’s recent form, Die Roten are approaching the moment where they will need his successor. While talking to SportBild this week (via iMiaSanMia), Max Eberl insisted that Bayern already have Neuer’s successor in the squad. The club hierarchy believes that Jonas Urbig is going to succeed Neuer in the goal.
"With Jonas, we have someone with whom we are prepared for that day – whenever it may come. We are certain that he is a candidate who can fill Manuel's shoes."Max Eberl on Jonas Urbig
Bayern moved swiftly to sign Urbig from FC Koln in January this year. The 22-year-old made his debut in March when Neuer had suffered an injury. Urbig delivered some impressive performances during his spell in the starting XI, showing confidence on the ball and pulling off some good saves.
Urbig has been the DFB Pokal goalkeeper for Bayern this season. He also played in one Bundesliga game for Die Roten this campaign. It certainly looks like Die Roten want to slowly ease him into consistent game time over the next 18 months.
Alexander Nubel likely to leave on the back of Eberl's comments
Eberl’s endorsement of Urbig all but seals the fate of Alexander Nubel’s long-term future at Bayern. The former Schalke goalkeeper signed a new deal at Bayern in 2024 before going out on a two-year loan at VfB Stuttgart.
Nubel has no plans to stay at Bayern to warm the bench. He is looking for consistent game time after playing regularly for Stuttgart over the last two and a half years. Nubel will certainly look for a move away from Munich next summer when he returns from Stuttgart.
Daniel Peretz was also signed by Bayern a couple of years ago to replace Yann Sommer. The Israeli goalkeeper went out on loan in the summer, but he has struggled to get playing time at Hamburg. Die Roten may break his loan deal in January and move him to another club where he can play regularly. A concrete decision over Peretz’s future may take place next summer.