Leaving Bayern? Here’s how realistic a return to Schalke is for Neuer | OneFootball

Manuel Neuer may be heading into his final season with FC Bayern. After that, the 40-year-old could make a return to FC Schalke 04.

Manuel Neuer’s playing career is drawing to a close. The 40-year-old’s contract with FC Bayern expires at the end of the season. There are strong indications that the longtime captain will hang up his goalkeeper gloves afterward. However, it remains to be seen what the future holds for him.

A return to FC Schalke 04, at least, does not seem out of the question. The Königsblauen’s leadership can, in principle, envision reintegrating Neuer into the club after he retires.

Supervisory Board Chairman Axel Hefer told BILD, referring to Neuer’s once-controversial move to Munich: “His departure was controversial, but I personally think that anyone can make mistakes, especially when they’re young. At some point, that’s all well and good. […] He’ll enjoy his time off for now and then think about what he wants to do. Whether he wants to work in his old home or his new one—that’s something he has to decide for himself.”

Sports Director Frank Baumann also expressed openness to a collaboration in BILD. When asked whether he would offer Neuer a job at Schalke, he replied: “In principle, I think it’s interesting to bring former players on board because of their qualifications and passion. That’s why I’ll say ‘Yes’ to that—knowing full well that it won’t be easy to find a solution.”

Neuer emphasizes his connection to Schalke

Neuer himself left no doubt after Bayern’s most recent away game in Gelsenkirchen just how much his former club still means to him. He explained to DAZN: “For me, the club simply belongs in the top division. I was a Schalke fan even when they were in the second division, and I’m also their biggest fan when they play against Dortmund.”

The former Schalke goalkeeper was even more explicit when discussing his roots: “I grew up in Gelsenkirchen; my family is from there. I am Gelsenkirchen; I am Schalke! But I also have that Bavarian warmth.”

Neuer also didn’t rule out a return to his hometown. “I feel at home at Lake Tegernsee, in Bavaria, and in Munich. But just as much in my hometown of Gelsenkirchen. My friends are still there, too. So I can’t say right now which place suits me better. Of course, we live here in Bavaria now, and it’s become our second home—we enjoy the peace and quiet, nature, and everything that comes with it. But where you’re from is always where you’re from. I know where I grew up.”

Photo: Getty Images

This would make a future role at Schalke conceivable in principle. However, a return wouldn’t be easy. Neuer is still met with hostility by some Schalke fans because of his move to FC Bayern in 2011.

In addition, the Munich club would also like to keep their longtime captain at the club after he retires. President Herbert Hainer has already made it clear that the door is wide open for Neuer at FC Bayern even after his playing career ends.

If Neuer wants to continue working in professional soccer immediately after his playing career, there are currently more reasons for him to stay in Munich than to return to Gelsenkirchen. He is held in the highest regard at FC Bayern and could take on a new role in familiar surroundings. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that Schalke still wants to explore its options with its former homegrown talent.