Alexander Nübel is once again at a crucial point in his career. When VfB Stuttgart hosts FC Bayern on Saturday (3:30 p.m.), he will meet his current employer – and is already preparing for what are probably the most important decisions in his future.
Because one thing is clear: FC Bayern has long had a plan with Nübel – but no clear path for him. His contract was automatically extended until 2030 with Manuel Neuer’s latest extension, but it is questionable whether the 29-year-old will ever look after the Bayern goal again.
If Neuer (contract until 2026) extends it again in the spring, Nübel’s return in the summer would reportedly be off the table. After six years without any real prospects, a sale is the most likely scenario. According to the “Abendzeitung München”, the FCB bosses are hoping for a transfer fee of up to 20 million, possibly from financially strong clubs in England.
Things would look different if Neuer actually ended his career after this season. Then, according to “Bild”, Nübel would have another chance – but in a direct duel with Jonas Urbig.
The 22-year-old, who came from Cologne in January 2025 for seven million euros, has taken on the internal pioneering role in the race for Neuer’s successor through strong training performances and 15 competitive appearances.
FC Bayern wants a keeper duel
According to “Bild” information, it has now been decided not to sign a top international keeper like Mike Maignan, who was recently traded.
Instead, if Neuer’s career ends, FC Bayern wants a duel between Nübel and Urbig. Sports director Christoph Freund publicly praised Nübel (“one of the best goalkeepers in Germany”), but internally it is clear: Urbig is currently ahead – also because Neuer’s word carries weight. The captain recently spoke out clearly for his young colleague.
A new start in Stuttgart? Possible, but complicated. Homegrown Dennis Seimen (20 years old, currently on loan to Paderborn) is set to take over at VfB in the medium term. In addition, Nübel reportedly earns around eleven million euros per year – a salary that Stuttgart could only manage with massive cuts.
So Nübel’s future on the Isar and in Swabia remains equally open. Once again, the decision is not in his gloves.