Bayern Munich Identify Their New Goalkeeper as Bundesliga Champions Make Offer for Ex-Borussia Dortmund Player

Hendrik Bonmann Emerges as Key Target for Die Roten’s Goalkeeping Reshuffle Ahead of 2025-26 Season

Bayern Munich may already boast one of the greatest goalkeepers the game has ever seen in Manuel Neuer, but that hasn’t stopped the Bundesliga giants from moving proactively to reinforce the position. As they begin laying the foundations for life after their iconic No.1, Bayern have reportedly made an official move for Hendrik Bonmann, the current Ludogorets first-choice shot-stopper and a former Borussia Dortmund man.

According to Bulgarian outlet Telegraph, the German champions have submitted a formal offer for Bonmann, who is now being seriously considered as a reliable backup—and potentially more—in the near future.

WHAT HAPPENED? Bayern Make Their Move for Bonmann

1. FC Magdeburg v Wuerzburger Kickers – 3. Liga

Bayern’s interest in Bonmann has materialised in the form of an official bid. Though the details of the offer remain undisclosed, the news has created waves in both Germany and Bulgaria, with Ludogorets reportedly already scouting for potential replacements. The 31-year-old Bonmann has been a steady performer in Bulgaria’s top division and has caught the attention of Bayern’s decision-makers thanks to his consistency, leadership at the back, and experience in German football.

A Borussia Dortmund product, Bonmann was part of the club’s system from 2013 to 2018. While he never made a senior appearance for BVB, he was part of their reserve setup and trained alongside some of the top names in German football. His journey since then has taken him through various clubs before finding stability—and recognition—in Bulgaria.

Now, with Bayern showing concrete interest, Bonmann might be on the cusp of the biggest opportunity of his career.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Preparing for the Post-Neuer Era

Though Manuel Neuer remains a central figure at Bayern Munich—on and off the pitch—the reality is clear: time waits for no one, not even a legend. The 2025-26 season will be Neuer’s last under contract, and by then he’ll be nearing 40 years old. Despite signing a recent extension, the end of his playing career is approaching, and Bayern know they must be prepared for a smooth succession in goal.

Over the past season, Neuer has struggled at times. A mix of lingering fitness issues and an inevitable dip in form has prompted conversations within the club—and the wider footballing world—about when, not if, the German great should step aside. Club legend Oliver Kahn has even publicly urged Neuer to consider retirement “for his own good,” a sentiment that sparked fierce debate among fans and pundits.

All of this has forced Bayern to act. Although the club has been linked with high-profile successors such as Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen, the pursuit of Bonmann appears to be a short-term move aimed at solidifying the goalkeeper ranks for the season ahead.

DID YOU KNOW? Bonmann’s Journey from Borussia Dortmund to the European Stage

While Hendrik Bonmann may not be a household name in European football circles, his journey is one of perseverance and growth. Born in Essen, Germany, Bonmann began his youth career at Fortuna Bredeney before moving to Rot-Weiss Essen and later joining Borussia Dortmund’s academy setup.

From 2013 to 2018, Bonmann featured regularly for Borussia Dortmund II, clocking up over 60 appearances but never quite breaking into the first team, with Roman Weidenfeller and later Roman Bürki ahead of him in the pecking order. After leaving Borussia Dortmund, Bonmann went on to play for 1860 Munich and Würzburger Kickers, before making a somewhat surprising switch abroad to Bulgarian champions Ludogorets Razgrad in 2022.

At Ludogorets, Bonmann has enjoyed a career resurgence. Known for his shot-stopping ability, calmness under pressure, and command of his penalty area, he helped the club secure domestic titles and featured in their European campaigns.

It’s this blend of experience and reliability that has reportedly caught Bayern’s eye.

WHAT NEXT? The Goalkeeping Hierarchy at Bayern Could Shift

Neuer Urbig Peretz Ulreich

As it stands, Bayern Munich have several goalkeepers on their books:

• Sven Ulreich, long-time deputy to Neuer, remains a solid backup but is also entering the twilight of his career.

• Daniel Peretz, signed from Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2023, has impressed in moments but lacks Bundesliga experience.

• Jonas Urbig, a January 2025 arrival from Köln, showed flashes of promise during Neuer’s injury spells and was trusted by new head coach Vincent Kompany.

• Leon Klanac, an academy graduate, is still a developing prospect.

The arrival of Bonmann could shake things up. While he is not expected to challenge Neuer for the No.1 spot immediately, his presence would allow Kompany more breathing room in rotating goalkeepers during cup games and less critical fixtures. More importantly, should Neuer’s fitness falter, Bonmann would be seen as a more battle-tested alternative than the younger options.

Depending on how things unfold, Bonmann could even push Urbig down the pecking order, raising questions about the development plan for the 21-year-old.

BEYOND THE STATS: Why This Signing Makes Sense for Bayern

Some Bayern fans may raise eyebrows at the club’s interest in a 31-year-old from the Bulgarian league. But football decisions, particularly at a club like Bayern, are rarely made on impulse. Here’s why this move makes sense:

1. Experience Without Ego

Bonmann brings years of professional experience across multiple levels of football. Importantly, he’s used to playing as a No.2 or even No.3, which means he understands the dynamics of being in a supporting role—an underrated but crucial trait in a backup goalkeeper.

2. Dependability in Unpredictable Times

With Neuer’s injury history in recent years, Bayern simply can’t afford to have a question mark in their goalkeeping department. Bonmann gives them a reliable, experienced head who won’t be rattled by pressure.

3. Low-Risk Financially

The fee for Bonmann is expected to be modest, and his wages would likely be manageable for Bayern. In an era where Financial Fair Play regulations are being more tightly enforced, cost-effective signings like this allow Bayern to invest more heavily in other areas of the pitch.

FINAL WHISTLE: Smart Business or Stopgap?

Only time will tell how significant the signing of Hendrik Bonmann proves to be for Bayern Munich. On paper, it looks like a low-risk, high-reliability acquisition designed to give the club breathing space while it plans for the post-Neuer era.

What’s certain is that the goalkeeper carousel at Bayern is beginning to spin. Whether Bonmann is a temporary fix or a surprise success story remains to be seen—but as always in Munich, expectations will be sky-high.

If all goes according to plan, Bonmann could soon be donning the famous red shirt, stepping out at the Allianz Arena not just as a backup, but as a trusted piece of Bayern’s next chapter between the sticks.