Friday was a special milestone for Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer. The German goalkeeper turned 40, completing more than 20 years in football. Gianluigi Buffon admitted that spending his 40th birthday on the field and at the top level is a rare feat, which Neuer has achieved.
The former Schalke goalkeeper has been in good form this season. He has shown no signs of alarming decline to force Bayern to consider his position. The Bavarian club is open to offering a new one-year contract to Neuer. However, the final decision lies with the veteran shot-stopper.
Neuer had previously insisted that the end of March-early April would be the right time to make a decision. However, Bild’s Christian Falk is now reporting that Neuer has requested more time to think about his future and all options. More talks between Bayern and Neuer will take place after the Champions League quarter-final games against Real Madrid.
Bayern chiefs are reportedly expecting Neuer to bring curtains down on his long career at the club. The Bavarian club doesn’t have to worry about Neuer’s replacement, as they are backing Jonas Urbig to step up as he has done in the past 12 months whenever the experienced goalkeeper has been on the sidelines due to injury.
Die Roten may look for a new number two
Bayern are doing their homework in case Neuer decides to leave at the end of the season. The club chiefs are reportedly weighing up a move for Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann. The 35-year-old will be considered as the deputy to Jonas Urbig.
Meanwhile, Sven Ulreich is open to signing another one-year contract extension. Ulreich is currently the third-choice goalkeeper at Bayern. He feels confident about continuing in this role and contributing to the team’s success for one more year.
Alexander Nubel and Daniel Peretz are expected to leave Bayern on permanent transfer in the summer once their loan spells at VfB Stuttgart and Southampton end, respectively.
Bayern chiefs respect Neuer’s desire to make a decision after the games against Real Madrid. They are not setting a deadline for him. For now, the main priority for Die Roten is the fitness of Neuer. He had minor injuries in the last two months. Bayern are hoping to see him back in action before the big Champions League games against Real Madrid. If the recovery goes well for him, Neuer should be back for the game against SC Freiburg on April 4.