Number of games played by Neuer
In the upcoming 2025/26 season, Manuel Neuer is expected to remain Bayern Munich's first-choice goalkeeper, but his deputy, Jonas Urbig, is set to receive more first-team minutes and potentially play important games as part of Bayern's plan to gradually transition the number one role to him in the future.
Neuer recently signed a new contract, securing his place at the club until the summer of 2026. However, Bayern is preparing for his eventual succession by giving Urbig increased opportunities. The club's sporting director and club insiders confirm that while Neuer is still the starter and focus, the club intends to balance game time with Urbig to build his experience. No new signings such as Gianluigi Donnarumma have been pursued, showing confidence in the current goalkeeper roster, including Urbig as backup.
In the recent friendly games, Urbig has already seen increased game time, playing in the entire game in the 2-1 win against Grasshoppers in Zurich. He secured the victory for Bayern with a good save at the end of the game. Urbig could potentially play in the dream match in Imst/Tirol against a fan club selection of "Red Eagles Austria" the day after the Bundesliga opening game against RB Leipzig (22 August).
Meanwhile, Manuel Neuer's participation in the first round game of the DFB-Pokal on August 27 against third division side SV Wehen Wiesbaden could be a possibility if he wants to. Neuer was absent from the game against Grasshoppers for precautionary reasons, and there is no mention of any updates on his contract beyond it running until the summer of 2026.
There is no confirmation of an agreement for Neuer to hand over important games to Urbig in the 2025/26 season. Coach Vincent Kompany's plan for the preparation games has resulted in three wins for FC Bayern Munich. The competitive season for the club begins on Saturday in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup against VfB Stuttgart.
Regarding other team news, Kingsley Coman missed the 2-1 win against Grasshoppers due to illness, but there is no mention of any transfer for Coman or any updates on his health status. Serge Gnabry was absent in the 4-0 win against Tottenham due to a short-term injury.
[1] Source: Sport1, 12th August 2025 [2] Source: Kicker, 13th August 2025 [3] Source: Bild, 14th August 2025 [4] Source: TZ, 15th August 2025 [5] Source: SID, 16th August 2025
- Bayern Munich's sporting director and club insiders have confirmed that while Manuel Neuer remains the first-choice goalkeeper, the club is planning to gradually transition the number one role to Jonas Urbig, giving him increased game time and potentially allowing him to play important games.
- The upcoming European football leagues could see Jonas Urbig playing more significant games for Bayern Munich, as the club continues to build his experience and prepare for Eventual Neuer's retirement, according to recent reports.
