Bayern seek experienced ex‑national goalkeeper as Neuer's successor
While Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich are at the end of their careers, FC Bayern is already planning for the period after the German national goalkeeper and is looking for a former national goalkeeper for the experienced number‑two position. According to sources, especially Bernd Leno or Finn Dahmen could come into play.
FC Bayern is already planning for the time after Manuel Neuer, because both Neuer and Sven Ulreich have reached an advanced age and could end their careers. Jonas Urbig is seen as the future number‑one.
For the experienced number‑two role, the Munich team is looking for a reliable backup, not a young talent but a seasoned professional. The officials are focused on a goalkeeper who can support Urbig and be ready to step in when needed.
Possible candidates for the backup role
According to information, Bernd Leno, 34, is under contract with Fulham and part of the first‑team staff. The former German national goalkeeper played 233 Bundesliga matches for Bayer Leverkusen, moved to Arsenal in 2018, and has been with Fulham since 2022.
Leno's contract runs until the summer of 2027, Fulham has an extension option; if that falls through, he would be free of a transfer fee. Leno could generally imagine a move to Munich at the end of his career, with the proximity to his Swabian home playing a role.
Other names in the discussion are Finn Dahmen from FC Augsburg and Marvin Schwäbe from 1. FC Köln. Both are considered experienced goalkeepers who could meet the sought‑after profile.
Bayern's profile demands many years of experience at the highest level; Leno would fit perfectly with his Bundesliga‑ and Premier‑League‑experience. His quality meets the requirements for a reliable backup.
Max Eberl confirmed that several important decisions regarding the goalkeeper position could be pending in the summer of 2027. The search for an experienced backup shows that Bayern is not relying on another young talent, but prefers immediate reliability.