As a backup for Neuer
FC Bayern probably wants to sign a second division goalkeeper
Jan 7, 2025 – 8:57 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Behind Manuel Neuer, the battle for number two at Bayern is raging. This could get even worse from summer at the latest.
What’s next for the goalkeeper position at FC Bayern? Regular goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, whose contract expires in the summer, will extend his working paper for another year, according to pay-TV broadcaster Sky. The “Kicker” also reports about it. The 2014 world champion would then be number one for the Munich team until at least 2026. His designated successor Alexander Nübel is still on loan to VfB Stuttgart until then.
In recent years, the 38-year-old Neuer’s representative has almost always been someone else: Sven Ulreich. The 36-year-old ex-Stuttgart player’s contract is also expiring – and according to “Kicker”, everything indicates that Bayern will extend his contract again. It’s understandable, as Ulreich has established himself as a reliable number two in the past with no claims to a regular place at FC Bayern.
Recently, Ulreich was missing at times for “personal reasons,” as Bayern said. When Manuel Neuer was out at the end of the year, he wasn’t in the Bayern goal despite being available in the meantime. Instead, the young Daniel Peretz (24) got his chance and was allowed to stand between the posts for the last three games in 2024. As Sky now reports, the fight for number two in Bayern’s goal could become even more intense starting next summer.
The reason: The German record champions are said to have kept an eye on Jonas Urbig. The 21-year-old is under contract with 1. FC Köln. Bayern apparently want to sign Urbig as a backup for Neuer from the summer.
In Cologne, the young goalkeeper started the season as number one in the summer of 2024. In October, Urbig was replaced by Marvin Schwäbe after conceding 20 goals in ten league games and has not played since then.
Nevertheless: Urbig is considered a great goalkeeping talent and is a U21 national player. His market value is estimated by the “transfermarkt.de” portal at 3 million euros, the highest value for a goalkeeper in the 2nd Bundesliga. Urbig’s contract in the cathedral city runs until 2026.