Manuel Neuer is set to make a sensational return to the German national team for the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, pending final medical clearance. The 40-year-old goalkeeper had retired from international football, but Bayern Munich teammates and Julian Nagelsmann have persuaded him to reconsider, according to reports from Sport Bild.
Key players from both Germany and FC Bayern urged Nagelsmann to bring Neuer back, with his impressive performances in the Champions League—particularly against Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain—reigniting discussions about a potential recall. After consulting with his family, Neuer informed the DFB and Nagelsmann that he was open to a return. Despite limited prior contact, the pair gradually intensified conversations, and Nagelsmann is now confident Neuer will serve as number one for the tournament.
Oliver Baumann's Disappointment
The comeback carries significant implications for other goalkeepers. Oliver Baumann, the 35-year-old Hoffenheim shot-stopper, was previously assured by Nagelsmann in March that he would travel as the primary goalkeeper even if Neuer returned. That promise has now been broken, and Baumann is reportedly disappointed, though he has committed to being available as a backup option.
Fitness Concerns and Squad Depth
Neuer's recurring calf troubles present a lingering challenge. He has suffered three minor muscle tears this season and may miss Saturday's DFB-Pokal final against VfB Stuttgart. A final medical assessment is scheduled for Thursday, shortly before the squad announcement. Jonas Urbig has impressed during Neuer's absences and harbours World Cup hopes himself.
Nagelsmann is considering a provisional four-man goalkeeper squad including Neuer, Urbig, Baumann, and potentially Alexander Nübel. However, tensions between Nübel and Neuer complicate matters. Nübel, on loan at Stuttgart from Bayern, joined Munich in 2020 as Neuer's successor but has rarely featured. His future remains uncertain, with Bayern demanding a €10–15 million transfer fee and Nübel earning €12 million annually—figures Stuttgart cannot match.
Should Nübel be excluded, Nagelsmann may turn to Finn Dahmen of Augsburg or Noah Atubolu of Freiburg. The goalkeeping selection will reshape Germany's squad depth heading into a tournament where Neuer's experience could prove invaluable, despite fitness questions that loom large.
