Many believed the 2026/27 season would be Bayern Munich’s first in 15 years without Manuel Neuer. Given Neuer’s age as well as the emergence of Jonas Urbig, the belief was understandable. However, in a surprising turn of events, the 40-year-old shot-stopper signed a one-year contract extension after a solid 2025/26 campaign.
Despite Neuer retaining his spot as Bayern’s number one, last season marked the first time since his arrival — barring injury-plagued seasons — that he shared so many minutes
with another keeper. Jonas Urbig secured 1,111 minutes of playing time in the Bundesliga, about 700 minutes shy of Manuel Neuer’s 1, 859.
Sure, Urbig’s increased playing time was partly down to Neuer suffering a string of minor injury setbacks, but it also speaks to how highly Bayern value the young goalkeeper.
When asked whether Urbig is planned to earn even more minutes on the pitch than last season, Neuer rejected the idea.
“No, I think it will be similar to last season,” said Neuer (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “We’ll support one another; we’ve got a strong goalkeeping squad, including Ulle and the young goalkeepers. The important thing is that we help one another, that we push each other, and that we can always give our best for the team in goal.”
Question marks still hang over Neuer’s ability to remain fit, but either way, it looks like Urbig will still play a significant role in Bayern’s upcoming season.
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- New, improved notifications system!
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts
