Christoph Freund echoes Uli Uli Hoeneß, would be pleased for Manuel Neuer to stay another year at Bayern Munich

TL;DR

Bayern Munich's Christoph Freund and Uli Hoeneß support Manuel Neuer staying for another year. Neuer is still deciding whether to extend his contract or leave this summer.

Key points

Christoph Freund and Uli Hoeneß want Neuer to stay another year.
Neuer is deliberating on extending his contract with Bayern Munich.
Bayern has confidence in Jonas Urbig as Neuer's potential successor.

Mentioned in this story

Manuel NeuerChristoph FreundUli Hoeneß

Bayern MunichStuttgart

MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 15: Manuel Neuer of Munich looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Real Madrid CF at Football Arena Munich on April 15, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images) | Getty Images A final decision still has not yet been made and officially announced by either Manuel Neuer or Bayern Munich. The veteran keeper is taking his time to decide whether or not he will extend his contract for another year with the German *Rekordmeister*, or wind up leaving this summer. Earlier this year, it was understood that he was going to have sat down and discussed his plan with the club’s front office by the time he turned 40 in March, but he’s wanted to take a bit more time to decide what’s best for both him, and the club. It’s also likely that he does not want to take momentum or attention away from how good the team has been performing as they still push to try to secure a treble – any off-pitch distraction is something he probably wants to avoid contributing to. Former club president Uli Hoeneß recently expressed his desire to stay at Bayern for another year and sporting director Christoph Freund shared that sentiment. They both feel him staying for another year would be highly beneficial for Jonas Urbig, who has been Neuer’s understudy since joining from FC Köln in January of 2025. “We’ve spoken often about Manu’s situation and that it’s down to Manu. He will decide. Right now he’s fit and performing really well. We’ve said we’d like him to stay on for another year, also as a leader. We’re in a very good place with our goalkeepers in general, so we’re relaxed,” Freund explained (via ). With how many matches he’s placed when Neuer has been unavailable, it’s no surprise that Bayern has full confidence Uribg can eventually take over as the club’s number one keeper, especially if Neuer sticks around for another year and can continue to play a mentorship type of role. If he leaves, there’s still the prospect of sticking around as an experienced backup and Alexander Nübel potentially sticking around to try to compete with Urbig after his loan spell is up. There’s a fair amount of moving parts, but Bayern is well planned for either outcome of Neuer extending or leaving. For now, there’s still matches and titles to be won for Vincent Kompany’s side and whatever decision winds up being made, it will be handled in a completely professional manner that does not deter or distract from the task at hand for the rest of the squad.

Q&A

What did Christoph Freund say about Manuel Neuer's future at Bayern Munich?

Christoph Freund expressed a desire for Manuel Neuer to stay for another year, emphasizing the benefits of his leadership and experience.

Why is Manuel Neuer taking time to decide on his contract extension?

Manuel Neuer is considering his options carefully to avoid distractions for the team as they aim for a treble this season.

Who could replace Manuel Neuer if he leaves Bayern Munich?

If Neuer leaves, Jonas Urbig is expected to take over as the number one keeper, with Sven Ulreich and Alexander Nübel also in the mix.

Christoph Freund echoes Uli Uli Hoeneß, would be pleased for Manuel Neuer to stay another year at Bayern Munich

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

Related Articles

Why outgoing Bernardo is the emblem of Man City's title charge

Oficial: el Clásico que puede decidir LaLiga será el 10 de mayo a las 21:00

Commanders predicted to land top wide receiver with No. 7 pick

Here are the 10 greatest NFL draft picks in Miami Dolphins history

Matt Fitzpatrick responds when asked who it felt better to beat, Scottie Scheffler or Jordan Spieth

El Barça se queda sin Canaletas

More from Sports