Bayern Munich are planning for a future goalkeeper group, with Oliver Baumann reportedly their preferred candidate for the number-two role behind Jonas Urbig. Urbig is set to become Bayern’s first-choice goalkeeper from the summer, while the search for a new number two is gathering pace.
Neuer and Ulreich futures
According to Sky, Manuel Neuer is currently sidelined with a partial tendon tear in his right foot and is expected to retire when his contract expires at the end of June 2027.
Current number three Sven Ulreich is also expected to hang up his gloves after the season.
Baumann emerges as the preferred choice
According to Sky, Bayern have yet to hold talks with any candidates, but Oliver Baumann has emerged as the decision-makers’ clear preferred choice.
Baumann’s contract with TSG Hoffenheim runs until 2028, and the 36-year-old would command a comparatively modest fee if he moved next summer.
The report describes Baumann as a 13-cap Germany goalkeeper with 532 Bundesliga appearances at the time of the report.
According to Sky, TSG Hoffenheim would extend Baumann’s contract again in 2028, when he would be 38.
Leno also on Bayern’s list
According to Sky, Bernd Leno is also high on Bayern’s list and would be open to challenging Jonas Urbig.
Leno’s Fulham contract expires in 2027, although Fulham have a unilateral option to extend it by another year, until 2028.
Karius availability depends on Schalke
According to Sky, Bayern are also looking at Schalke 04 goalkeeper Loris Karius and have been impressed by his strong performances for the club.
Karius has a contract in Gelsenkirchen until 2028, and his availability would depend largely on whether Schalke stay up or go straight back down.
