Klopp's DFB legacy opens door for three German keepers
Wer will under Klopp Neuers DFB‑Erbe earn a place in the German squad? Bundestrainer Jürgen Klopp will reveal his roster for the upcoming Länderspielpause on Thursday, 24 September, after naming the Kader on 17 September. The German Nationalmannschaft’s goalkeeper department is wide open, with several Torhüter hoping to calculate their Chancen.
Wer gets the nod?
Oliver Baumann confirmed that Klopp called him after TSG Hoffenheim’s 2‑1 home win over VfB Stuttgart. The communication will be handled by the national team manager himself. Baumann, who has been a regular starter for Hoffenheim this season, is now widely expected to claim the number‑one spot between the posts.
Stegen, Nübel and Urbig in contention
Ajax Amsterdam’s Timo Stegen said in an interview that he has spoken with Klopp. With 44 caps he leads the German Torhüter in appearances, but he is emerging from a long injury lay‑off and is concentrating on staying fit. He praised the “really great conversation” he had with the manager.
Alex Nübel, who spent the 2025/26 season at VfB Stuttgart before moving to Besiktas Istanbul, also enjoys strong chances. Regular game time in Turkey keeps him sharp, even though the league sits outside the traditional top‑five. His performances have been described as “excellent” by club officials.
Jonas Urbig, the Bayern Munich third‑choice behind Manuel Neuer, featured as a training goalkeeper at the last World Cup. He occasionally receives minutes, such as the 1‑2 away defeat to Elversberg, and at 23 he still has a long career ahead. Urbig hopes the upcoming Spiel will give him a real test.
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Young prospects and fringe options
Frankfurt’s Noah Atubolu attracted attention after saving his sixth consecutive penalty in a 1‑3 away loss to Mainz. Whether this feat translates into a national call‑up remains to be seen, but continued performances could keep him in the extended group.
Former Liverpool keeper Loris Karius, now with Schalke 04 after a strong season in the 2. Bundesliga, also eyes a third‑choice role. His resurgence this campaign gives him a realistic shot at inclusion.
Moritz Nicolas of Borussia Mönchengladbach, Finn Dahmen from FC Augsburg and Mio Backhaus of SC Freiburg have all been mentioned as reliable options. Nicolas has shown impressive form since last season, Dahmen remains in the conversation despite fierce competition, and Backhaus, aged 22, impressed with only one goal conceded in three Bundesliga matches for Freiburg, including a clean sheet in a 4‑1 win over his former club.
Die Entscheidung will be closely watched as Klopp’s final list on Thursday will determine which keeper stands between the sticks when Germany face the Niederlande, led by new Coach Xavi, later in the international window.
Photos: Getty Images. Graphic by Maximilian Dymel /.de.