Manuel Neuer Future: Bayern In No Rush To Decide

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Bayern Munich are delaying any final decision on Manuel Neuer’s future, with Max Eberl stressing there is no urgency over a new deal. Neuer, whose contract expires at the end of this season, is currently injured again and will not travel for the Champions League tie against Atalanta on Tuesday.

Neuer, who turns 40 on March 27, is set to reach another Champions League landmark if fitness allows. The next time Neuer starts in the competition for Bayern Munich, the goalkeeper will equal Lionel Messi on 136 starts for a single club, with only Iker Casillas ahead on 149 for Real Madrid.

"We've always said he should wait until he turns 40 at the end of March," Eberl said. "And then we'll sit down and talk things through calmly.Then he has to tell us how he feels, and we have to decide for ourselves how to proceed. He's had an outstanding season so far; he's a top goalkeeper. This injury doesn't change anything for us. In the end, we will make a decision together with Manu."

The latest injury came just after Neuer returned to the Bayern Munich starting side in the Bundesliga. Neuer played in a 4-1 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday, but then picked up a minor muscle tear. Bayern have therefore left Neuer out of the travelling squad for the Champions League knockout round match in Bergamo.

Neuer’s situation blends contract uncertainty with major milestones and recent fitness problems for Bayern Munich.

*Neuer will match Messi’s 136 starts with his next Champions League appearance for Bayern Munich.

While Bayern Munich plan careful talks with Neuer after the 40th birthday, Eberl explained that discussions with Konrad Laimer are paused. The midfielder, also known as Konny, recently returned from injury and is again available for selection, but agreement on a contract extension has not been reached so far.

"We would like to extend Konny's contract," he said. "Talks have taken place, but things are currently on hold. But that's not a problem, there's no resentment or ill will. We have our own ideas, and they have their own ideas, and those ideas have to align. Right now they don't, but that's okay. We're extremely happy that he's back, that he's healthy again, and that he's now available."

For Bayern Munich, the coming weeks will shape both Neuer’s long-term role and Laimer’s future. The club is managing contract issues, an ageing but still key goalkeeper, and injury recoveries, while also contesting the Bundesliga and Champions League, with decisions promised after March rather than during the current busy schedule.