Germany’s goalkeeper succession remains open after Neuer’s retirement

Manuel Neuer’s departure from international football has left Germany searching for a new first-choice goalkeeper. DW says Jonas Urbig, Marc-André ter Stegen, Oliver Baumann and several younger candidates are under consideration, with club playing time, age and Jürgen Klopp’s tactical preferences likely to shape the decision.

Manuel Neuer’s retirement from international football after Germany’s early exit from the 2026 World Cup has created one of the clearest selection battles facing new coach Jürgen Klopp. Germany’s next squad announcement, scheduled for September 17, will cover four UEFA Nations League matches against the Netherlands, Greece and Serbia.

Jonas Urbig appears to be a leading long-term candidate, but his limited playing time at Bayern Munich is a major obstacle. Neuer remains Bayern’s starter, and DW reports that Urbig might not even be included in Klopp’s first squad unless his club situation changes. His prospects are therefore closely linked to how long Neuer continues playing for Bayern.

Oliver Baumann offers experience and has 13 international caps, but the Hoffenheim goalkeeper turned 36 this summer. He will be 38 at the next European Championship and 40 at the 2030 World Cup, factors that could conflict with Klopp’s reported ambition to build a Germany team capable of sustained success. Baumann told Bild he had been in contact with Klopp but said the coach would reveal further details himself.

Marc-André ter Stegen may be better suited to Klopp’s attacking approach because of his ability to contribute with the ball. DW reports that injuries and a legal dispute with Barcelona have disrupted his career, although a loan move to Ajax has improved his prospects of returning to Germany’s goal. Former Germany captain Lothar Matthäus wrote for Sky that ter Stegen would be “in the mix” if he continues performing well.

Alexander Nübel, Germany’s third-choice goalkeeper at the World Cup, has started strongly at Besiktas after leaving Stuttgart. Former international goalkeeper Toni Schumacher nevertheless told Bild that the move to Turkey had taken Nübel out of the spotlight. Loris Karius, who previously worked with Klopp at Liverpool, has also attracted attention after consistent performances for Schalke.

DW also identifies younger possibilities including Noah Atubolu, Mio Backhaus, Finn Dahmen, Dennis Seimen and Diant Ramaj. Andreas Köpke told Bild that Germany should develop a young goalkeeper as its next No. 1, naming Urbig, Backhaus and Atubolu while stressing that Urbig needs regular club football.