Is it time for Fc Bayern Munich to say goodbye to long term goalkeeper Manuel Neuer?
Only a few names in football have such demand and respect such as Manuel Neuer. At the age 38 he has made a name for himself, being a named a legend already. Neuer set the role of being a modern goalkeeper, from his leadership, ball work, and saving ability. Since he joined Bayern in 2011, Neuer has won anything that you can think of with them from many Leagues title, and many European cups always, while also winning with the National team. But with age and injuries, is it time for the German giants to move on?
Manuel career started when he joined a German side Schalke 04 youth academy at a young age and worked his way up to the first time. He made his debut for the first team in 2006 in a league game. Making him gain interest from clubs and media about being a promising goalkeeper. In 2008 Neuer made his make as he put a show on in a Champions League game against Fc Porto. By 2010 he was captain of his boyhood club and helped lead the team to a DFB Pokal and helped them to a semifinal match in the Champions League. This gained the interest of many top clubs in 2011 and eventually Neuer would sign for Bayern Munich.
At Bayern Munich is where Neuer became one of the best in the world, where he helped create the “sweeper keeper” play style. He has won everything you can think of with Bayern from a Treble where he won the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and the UEFA Champions League. Then in 2019-2020 he captained Bayern to a six-trophy season winning the Bundesliga, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, DFB Pokal, Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and he won UEFA Goalkeeper of the year. Since joining Bayern Neuer has won 31 trophies with the German giants.
But since 2020 Neuer has faced many injuries that impact on his availability and performance for Bayern. Having injuries such as, lower leg fracture, shoulder joint contusion, coronavirus, knee surgery, and various muscle issues. In 2021-2022 Neuer has to deal with knee surgery, Covid 19. And he has two joint injuries. In the 2022-2023 season he had a lower leg fracture, shoulder contusion, and Covid again. During 2023-2024 he suffered a torn muscle fiber, an infection, and fitness issues. In the 2024-2025 season he has had thigh problems, a rib fracture, and a calf muscle tear which he is suffering as we speak.
Even though he remains a good keeper and makes world class saves, his performances are always inconsistent, and he makes errors more and more. I think that Bayern needs to plan and find a new keeper while keeper Neuer on staff like what Ac Milian did with Zlatan. While Bayern Munich have just signed new keeper Jonas Urbig from FC Koln since Neuer recent injury to his calf. Some other replacements for Neuer include 25-year-old Diogo Costa from Fc Porto, Bart Verbruggen a 22-year-old from Brighton or Ederson Moraes from Manchester City.
Bayern Munich find themselves at a tuff decision, where they have to pick weather to say goodbye to Neuer. The club must think about the future whether they sell him or keep him on and do something like Ac Milian with Zlatan. While what Neuer has done for the club cannot be overstated, Bayern must be serious about wanting to dominate in Europe and they must make a tough decision, sooner rather than later.
