VINCENT KOMPANY DEFENDS MANUEL NEUER: KEEPER'S FUTURE HINGES ON MARCH FEELING
Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer will decide on his contract extension by March, despite a recent Champions League error. He reaffirmed his retirement from the German national team.
It was a tough week for Manuel Neuer and Bayern Munich. They lost their first game of the season to Arsenal in the Champions League. Neuer made a mistake on Arsenal’s third goal, which sealed the match at Emirates Stadium.
During Friday's press conference, Vincent Kompany defended Neuer. He said Neuer made the right choice to challenge the attack, but Gabriel Martinelli still managed to score the winning goal, giving Arsenal a 3-1 victory.
Neuer has been playing well this season overall. He played great in Paris earlier this month, helping Bayern get a 2-1 victory against the defending European champions, even after they were down a man for half the game.
Because of his form, there are talks in Germany that Neuer will sign another one-year extension. After Bayern’s 3-1 victory against St. Pauli, Neuer talked about his future in Munich, saying he's not rushing to sign a new deal and will decide later in the season.
Neuer said, It will depend on how I feel. I'll decide closer to March during the international break.
Neuer will be 40 during the second half of the season. Though he had a difficult period last season, he is still playing well overall. Bayern supports Neuer and thinks he can still help the team, both on and off the field. They will decide his future together later in the season.
Bayern has already picked Jonas Urbig as Neuer’s replacement in the future. Urbig joined Munich at the beginning of 2025 and did a solid job filling in for Neuer last season when he was injured. Urbig has played in the DFB Pokal this season to get playing time. Bayern wants Urbig to play more Bundesliga and Champions League games in the next year and a half.
Neuer also said again that he won't return to the German national team.
Because he’s been playing well, some people in the German media and former players have asked Neuer to return to the team. But Neuer announced he was retiring from international soccer after the 2024 Euros.
Neuer said on Saturday that he’s not changing his mind about retiring from international play. He wants to focus on playing for his club.
It would take something unexpected for Neuer to play for Germany in the World Cup at the end of the season. But, for now, Bayern fans are hoping Neuer keeps playing well and helps Bayern win this year.
BAYERN MUNICH FACE MAJOR DECISION ON LEON GORETZKA AS EUROPEAN GIANTS CIRCLE NOW
Leon Goretzka’s future at Bayern Munich is uncertain as Tottenham and Napoli show interest. Discover why Vincent Kompany wants him to stay.
The winter transfer window is just around the corner, and as usual, Bayern Munich's name is popping up in transfer rumours all over the place. But the top guys at the club keep saying they won't be bringing anyone in this January.
As for players leaving, there's talk about guys whose contracts are almost up. Leon Goretzka is one of them, and he's been linked to a bunch of clubs lately.
Apparently, Bayern hasn't offered Goretzka a new deal yet. They're looking at younger midfielders to possibly replace him in the summer. Tottenham, Napoli, Fenerbahce, and Atletico Madrid are all said to be interested in snagging Goretzka this winter.
Sky Sports Germany says that Vincent Kompany thinks highly of Goretzka. The coach wants him to stay and appreciates what he brings to the field.
On the other hand, The Athletic is saying that the rumours about Goretzka going to Tottenham are off base. Apparently, Tottenham isn't trying to get him. Goretzka is also said to be locked in on finishing out the season strong with Bayern.
Goretzka's still got a job to do at Bayern.
Aleksandar Pavlovic has kind of jumped ahead of Goretzka in the lineup. The young midfielder played great in the first half of the season.
Goretzka's been coming off the bench lately. Even though he's not a starter right now, Goretzka can still help the team in the second half of the season. His experience will be really important in those big Champions League games. Plus, he can play different positions if needed. He can fill in on defence or be an attacking midfielder. A guy like that could be really helpful for Bayern as they try to win it all.
Right now, it looks like Kompany is happy with his team. Other than Sacha Boey, Bayern isn't expected to let go of any senior players this winter. Since Bayern is competing in three different competitions, Kompany will need everyone to play their best.
CONFIRMED: FABRIZIO ROMANO VALIDATES BAYERN MUNICH INTEREST IN €50M-RATED BRAZILIAN FORWARD RAYAN.
Bayern Munich eyes Vasco’s Rayan for a €50m summer move. Read how the 19-year-old fits into the 2026 attack alongside Harry Kane.
Bayern Munich had a decent summer with player transfers, though the timing could've been better. The club isn't planning on getting anyone new in January, but they're lining up deals for the summer.
Besides big-name signings, Bayern's also keeping an eye on young talent. They seem pretty interested in a top Brazilian prospect.
According to UOL in Brazil, Bayern is talking more with Vasco's forward, Rayan, and his people. The 19-year-old is up for joining Bayern, and Vasco is waiting for an offer. Word is, Vasco wants close to €50 million for himself.
Fabrizio Romano, the football transfer guy, also said Bayern is keen on Rayan. He knows there's been contact, but Rayan's just one of several players Bayern's looking at to beef up their attack.
Since Vasco might want a lot for Rayan, Bayern could be thinking about putting him straight into the first team. The kid can play on the right or behind the main striker. He's had a great season with Vasco, scoring 20 goals in all competitions.
Rayan's stats make him sound like a scoring machine, but he might need a bit to get used to the Bundesliga. Since Bayern has enough players in attack, Rayan could get time to adjust.
Bayern will need to get a forward next summer.
They let go of three experienced forwards over the summer and signed Luis Diaz for keeps, and Nicolas Jackson is on loan from Chelsea. Lennart Karl has really stepped up and is now a regular in the squad this season.
Max Eberl recently hinted that they probably won't buy Jackson permanently next summer. So, Bayern will need someone who can fill in for Harry Kane and play on the wings if needed.
Someone like Rayan might not be ready to back up Kane just yet. If Bayern gets the Brazilian forward, they'd still need another number nine to add some depth to the attack. Bayern might not spend a ton on forwards this summer, but there will definitely be some fresh faces in that part of the team.