Bayern Munich weigh one-year extension for captain Manuel Neuer

Munich—As Bayern Munich enter the decisive stretch of the campaign, the club’s supervisory board has already held internal discussions about offering captain and long-time No. 1 Manuel Neuer a one-year contract extension, sources confirmed on Tuesday.

Neuer, who will turn 40 at the end of March, is currently rehabbing from injury, yet the hierarchy views the veteran goalkeeper as a potential short-term solution between the posts. The primary sticking point is financial: Neuer remains among the squad’s top earners with a total package of €26.25 million per season—€21 million in base wages plus €5.25 million in performance bonuses. Executives are debating whether to maintain that figure or ask the skipper to accept a reduction.

“Everyone is saying they’ll give him a new contract if he wants it,” one senior club figure noted, adding that the bigger question is Neuer’s own willingness to continue. While the Germany international has ruled out participation in the upcoming World Cup, he has told confidants he still feels capable of performing at elite level and “loves football.” Still, the final call rests with Neuer, who is described as characteristically guarded about his intentions.

A reduced workload—possibly a 60-40 or 65-35 split of matches—has been floated as a way to manage both fitness demands and squad transition. Such an arrangement, however, would not necessarily come with a proportional pay cut, complicating negotiations.

Should Neuer guide Bayern to a treble this spring, insiders suggest he could opt to retire on a high. Conversely, a sense of “unfinished business” might push him toward one more season in Bavaria. Either way, the coming weeks of personal reflection will shape the next chapter for both the goalkeeper and the club.