Neuer set to retire at the end of this season as Bayern eye Karius to replace him

Neuer set to retire at the end of this season as Bayern eye Karius to replace him Bayern Munich are preparing for life after Manuel Neuer, with Loris Karius one of the potential candidates to replace the German legend ahead of the 2027/28 season. According to Sky Sport , Neuer is expected to retire at the end of the current campaign, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious career that has included 16 years at Bayern. The 40-year-old has made 607 appearances for the Bundesliga champions but has struggled with injuries in 2026. He suffered another setback during Bayern’s recent away game against Mainz, sustaining a partial tendon tear in his right foot. Neuer is not expected to return before the end of the year, although he intends to recover and reclaim his place between the posts in the new year. Even when fit, Neuer has made too many costly errors in recent seasons and is a shadow of the phenom who once guarded the Bayern posts. Bayern are already making contingency plans for the summer, with Jonas Urbig expected to become their first-choice goalkeeper in the long term. The German champions want an experienced shot-stopper to provide competition and cover for Urbig, with several established names in the mix. Oliver Baumann is reportedly Bayern’s preferred option after consistently impressing in recent seasons. The Hoffenheim goalkeeper is currently leading the club’s shortlist, but he is not the only candidate being considered. Bayern have also identified Fulham’s Bernd Leno and Schalke 04 man Loris Karius as potential additions to their goalkeeping department. Leno is open to joining Bayern and accepting a back-up role. His desire to move closer to his home in the Stuttgart area could work in Munich’s favour, although Fulham can extend his contract. Meanwhile, Karius is another experienced option between the sticks, although the former Liverpool shot-stopper hasn’t been able to fully shake his penchant for calamitous errors.