Bayern Munich weigh Baumann, Leno and Karius as Neuer succession planning begins

Bayern Munich are reportedly considering Oliver Baumann, Bernd Leno and Loris Karius as they plan for life after Manuel Neuer, according to Sky Germany. Hoffenheim captain Baumann is said to be the preferred candidate, with Fulham's Leno and Schalke 04's Karius also under consideration.

Bayern increasingly expect Neuer to retire at the end of the 2026/27 season, though no final decision has been announced. The 40-year-old suffered a partial tendon tear in his right foot in Saturday's 2-1 Bundesliga win over Mainz and is expected to miss the rest of the 2026 calendar year, but intends to return in 2027. Jonas Urbig, 23, is already earmarked as Neuer's long-term successor, and Bayern are seeking an experienced goalkeeper to compete with and support him.

Baumann, 36, is under contract at Hoffenheim until 2028 and has 532 Bundesliga appearances, within reach of Karl-Heinz Körbel's record of 602, which a secondary role at Bayern could hinder. No concrete talks between the clubs or the goalkeeper have reportedly taken place. Karius, who has rebuilt his career at Schalke and extended his contract there until 2028, is described as an exploratory option, while Leno, 34, is reportedly open to returning to Germany and accepting a supporting role; his Fulham deal runs to June 2027 with an option for another season.

According to Kicker, Bayern intend to hold talks with Neuer and Sven Ulreich before Christmas about whether either will continue beyond the current campaign.