‘He Needs to Be at His Peak’ – Bayern Munich Chief Addresses Manuel Neuer Future as German Giants Weigh Up New Contract for Legendary Goalkeeper

Performance Over Sentiment: Bayern Munich Chief Sends Clear Manuel Neuer Future Message

There are few figures in modern football who command the kind of reverence reserved for Manuel Neuer. For more than a decade, he has been the last line of defence, the sweeper-keeper revolutionary, the captain, the standard-setter at Bayern Munich.

But even legends are not immune to time.

With Neuer’s contract at the Allianz Arena running until 2026, Bayern’s hierarchy faces a delicate yet defining decision: whether to extend the stay of a goalkeeper who will be approaching 40 by the time a new deal would begin. Sentiment alone will not shape that verdict. At least, that is the clear message delivered by sporting director Max Eberl.

“He must be capable of performing at a top level – just as he currently is,” Eberl told Sport1. “That would also have to be the case next season.”

It was not dismissive. It was not cold. But it was unmistakably firm.

A Legend, But Not Untouchable

Neuer’s status in Munich is beyond dispute. A World Cup winner with Germany national football team, a multiple-time Bundesliga champion, and a Champions League winner, he has reshaped the role of the modern goalkeeper. For many supporters, the idea of Bayern without Neuer feels unnatural.

Yet Eberl’s tone suggests that legacy cannot guarantee longevity.

“At almost 40, he is still a top goalkeeper in Europe,” Eberl acknowledged. “But it’s about how Manuel feels — whether he wants to and whether he sees himself capable of delivering his performances for another year.”

That nuance matters. Bayern are not pushing Neuer out. Nor are they handing him a ceremonial extension. Instead, they are placing the responsibility squarely on performance and motivation.

The phrase “He needs to be at his peak” is not marketing spin. It is policy.

FC Bayern Munchen v Bayer 04 Leverkusen – UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg

The National Team Whispers

Neuer’s club future is not the only subject of debate in Germany. There have been murmurs — speculative, but persistent — about a possible return to the national team setup ahead of the next World Cup.

With Marc-Andre ter Stegen enduring an inconsistent period at Barcelona, and competition intensifying across Europe, some believe the door may not be fully closed for Neuer internationally.

Eberl did not engage directly with that discussion, but the implication is clear: if Neuer continues to perform at an elite level for Bayern, external conversations will take care of themselves.

Still, Bayern’s primary concern is internal stability. The club cannot afford uncertainty in such a decisive position.

Honest Conversations Behind Closed Doors

One of the more striking elements of Eberl’s comments was his emphasis on psychological readiness as much as physical condition.

“You have to talk about what his motivation and his tension are,” he explained. “We as a club expect that and want to find that out together with him.”

This is not merely about reflexes and clean sheets. It is about hunger.

Goalkeeping at Bayern is relentless. The margin for error is microscopic. Concentration must be absolute even during long stretches of inactivity. For a veteran player, maintaining that edge can be as demanding as the physical workload.

Neuer himself has indicated he will reflect more seriously on his future toward the end of the season. Bayern, however, cannot wait indefinitely. Planning for 2026 and beyond requires clarity.

Succession Planning: The Jonas Urbig Factor

If there is comfort within the uncertainty, it lies in Bayern’s succession planning.

The emergence of Jonas Urbig has given the club a potential long-term solution. Still young but highly regarded, Urbig represents the next generation of German goalkeeping talent.

According to CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen, Neuer has played an active role in mentoring the youngster — a detail that speaks volumes about his professionalism.

Eberl outlined Bayern’s enviable depth in the position:

“Manuel as number one, Jonas Urbig behind him, Sven Ulreich as an experienced man, and Alexander Nubel, who is on loan at VfB Stuttgart. We are not running after any development.”

That calmness is strategic. Bayern do not want to be forced into the transfer market in desperation — particularly in an era of spiralling fees.

Neuer, as Eberl put it, is “not a normal internal transfer.” He is a legend occupying the most decisive position on the pitch.

But legends eventually pass the torch.

Max Eberl Bayern 2024

Upamecano Secured as Market ‘Excesses’ Slammed

While the Manuel Neuer future remains under evaluation, Bayern have acted decisively elsewhere. Dayot Upamecano has signed a new long-term contract until 2030, anchoring the club’s defensive core.

Eberl described the negotiations as challenging but necessary.

“The negotiations were definitely not easy,” he admitted. “There are always issues, wishes and expectations on both sides that need to be reconciled.”

Why prioritise an extension rather than a new signing? The answer lies in today’s transfer market.

Eberl pointed to extraordinary fees being paid for emerging talents across Europe. He referenced the case of Jeremy Jacquet, reportedly moving from Stade Rennais to Liverpool for a staggering €70 million at just 19 years old.

“When we see that, we have to consider what’s best for Bayern Munich,” Eberl said.

Replacing a player of Upamecano’s calibre would likely cost even more — financially and tactically. Retaining proven stars is increasingly the smarter investment.

He even labelled the renewal an “internal transfer,” underscoring its strategic value.

Inflation and Agent Influence

Eberl did not shy away from criticising what he described as the “excesses” of the modern transfer market. Agent influence, escalating wages, and inflated valuations have reshaped negotiation dynamics.

“These excesses have increased massively,” he observed. “Sometimes external factors do have an impact. But as a rule, we can disregard them.”

It was a pointed comment — one reflecting frustration shared by many executives across Europe.

Bayern’s approach, as Eberl outlined, is rooted in stability. Secure core players early. Avoid panic. Plan with patience.

“It’s always bad when you have to go shopping hungry,” he said, offering a vivid metaphor for reactive recruitment.

By locking in key figures like Upamecano, and previously extending pillars such as Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies, Bayern believe they have reduced that risk.

The Road Ahead

For now, the spotlight returns to Manuel Neuer.

The equation is simple in theory, complex in practice. If he continues to perform at world-class level, if the motivation burns as brightly as ever, and if both player and club align in vision — a new contract could follow.

But Bayern’s message is unmistakable: performance over sentiment.

Neuer’s legacy is secure regardless of what happens next. He will be remembered as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history, a transformative figure whose influence extended far beyond clean sheets.

Yet at Bayern Munich, history does not grant immunity. Standards remain absolute.

As Eberl made clear, the coming months will be shaped by honest dialogue and clear evaluation. The club is planning calmly, strategically, and without panic.

Whether Manuel Neuer’s future includes another contract at the Allianz Arena will depend not on nostalgia, but on excellence.

And at Bayern, excellence is non-negotiable.