Bayern Munich have secured Manuel Neuer for one more year, with the 40-year-old’s extension keeping him at the club until summer 2027 as plans accelerate for the next generation of goalkeepers.
Bayern goalkeeping picture
| Item | Contract or figure | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Manuel Neuer | Signed until summer 2027 | Current first choice |
| Bernd Leno | Fulham deal ends June 2027, with a one-year option | Potential experienced addition |
| Jonas Urbig | 23 years old | Internally backed successor |
| Sven Ulreich | Contract expires June 2027 | Third-choice goalkeeper |
Neuer has not yet said whether the coming campaign will be the last of his professional career, but Bayern are already preparing for a major reshuffle. Urbig is viewed as the long-term answer at the Allianz Arena, although the club want an established goalkeeper alongside him when the transition arrives.
Fulham’s Bernd Leno is among the leading options. Bayern regard the 34-year-old Germany international as a dependable candidate to support Urbig rather than simply replace Neuer as an undisputed No. 1.
A move is more likely to take shape in 2027, when Leno’s current Fulham agreement runs out. His deal includes an option for another 12 months, but he would be open to returning to Germany. He can also speak to overseas clubs on a pre-contract basis once the January window opens.
Leno brings Bundesliga and Premier League experience
Leno developed through Stuttgart’s academy before joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2011. He made more than 300 appearances for Leverkusen, recording 99 clean sheets, and became a regular in the Germany set-up under Joachim Low, although he narrowly missed selection for the 2018 World Cup.
Arsenal signed him in 2018 as Petr Cech’s replacement. Leno spent three seasons as the Gunners’ first-choice goalkeeper before Aaron Ramsdale’s arrival cost him his place in 2021. He departed with 35 clean sheets from 125 Arsenal matches.
The keeper joined Fulham in 2022 and has rebuilt his standing as a Premier League starter. He has played 161 times for the west London side and kept 33 clean sheets.
What happens next
Bayern are not limiting their search to Leno. Augsburg goalkeeper Finn Dahmen, 28, and Cologne’s 31-year-old Marvin Schwabe are also under consideration as the Bundesliga champions map out their post-Neuer squad.
The looming expiry of Ulreich’s contract in June 2027 adds urgency to the process. Bayern must decide whether Leno, Dahmen, Schwabe or another candidate is the right experienced presence to help Urbig take over when Neuer’s era reaches its conclusion.
