Bayern Munich have not ruled out signing Oliver Baumann as a backup goalkeeper despite Manuel Neuer’s contract extension. The club remains interested in the 36-year-old Hoffenheim stopper for a supporting role behind the long-serving Bayern captain.
Neuer agreed to stay at Bayern for another year, postponing his retirement plans that were initially considered earlier this year. Still, with Neuer now expected to retire in the summer of 2027, the club has been preparing to hand the No. 1 shirt to Jonas Urbig, their young goalkeeper aged 23. However, Bayern want to bring in an experienced goalkeeper to back up Urbig, and Baumann is “certainly” among the candidates under discussion, according to Kicker.
Baumann’s situation at Hoffenheim adds complexity to any potential move. He is reportedly aiming to break Karl-Heinz Körbel’s Bundesliga record of 602 appearances. Currently 75 games short, Baumann could surpass that record within just over two seasons if he remains a regular starter. Moving to Bayern would almost certainly limit his playing time, which might conflict with his personal ambitions.
Other goalkeepers linked to Bayern’s search for a backup include Augsburg’s Finn Dahmen, 1. FC Köln’s Marvin Schwäbe, Fulham’s Bernd Leno, and Hamburger SV’s Daniel Heuer Fernandes. Each offers different profiles and experience levels, but none have been confirmed as firm targets.
Before Bayern escalate their interest or make any commitments, they want clarity on Neuer’s long-term plans. The club is awaiting a clear signal from Neuer regarding his career beyond the next summer. That decision will shape Bayern’s goalkeeping strategy heading into the 2027 season and beyond.
At present, Baumann remains on Bayern’s radar, but any move depends heavily on Neuer’s future and Baumann’s own intentions about chasing the Bundesliga appearance record.
According to Yahoo Sports.
