Spectacular turnaround in the DFB team? Nagelsmann considers Neuer comeback! | OneFootball

The DFB’s squad planning for the 2026 World Cup has taken a surprising turn – and suddenly a name that many had long since written off is back in the spotlight: Manuel Neuer. The postponement of the squad nomination could give the Bayern captain a new opportunity

Julian Nagelsmann has postponed the announcement of his provisional World Cup squad by nine days. Instead of 12 May, the squad will now be presented on 21 May. The national coach wants to assess developments in the final stages of the season more closely – in particular the form of players and the fitness of potential candidates

But there is obviously more than just caution behind this decision, because according to reports from the national team, Manuel Neuer is also playing a role again

„Nagelsmann is giving it some thought“

BILD reporter Heiko Niedderer makes it clear in the „Bayern Insider“ podcast that the name Neuer is being discussed internally: „I have heard that it is definitely an issue and that there is still a chance that Julian Nagelsmann will jump over his shadow. Also because it is a chance to show the fans that he can be talked to and is not so stubborn.“

At the same time, however, he also emphasized the sporting prerequisites: „Of course, it also depends on him being in top shape. He has to keep playing well to be in the running.“

BILD head of soccer Christian Falk also confirmed this tendency and even went one step further: „I was told by an insider that Nagelsmann is actually giving it another thought. Neuer and his entourage should also know that the door is not closed.“

What is particularly interesting is that despite the open situation, no concrete talks have yet taken place. Falk is therefore cautious in his assessment of the situation: „If a solution can be found that is face-saving for both parties, it may well happen.“

Neuer himself is keeping a low profile

photo: Getty Images

Neuer himself has been deliberately reticent about a possible comeback recently. One reason for this is that, according to BILD, there has been no clear signal from Nagelsmann so far. That could now change

Because the later squad decision gives the national coach more time to get a clear picture – and possibly also to seek contact with the Bayern keeper

At the same time, an important development is also emerging at club level, with Neuer apparently planning to continue his career and extend his contract with FC Bayern beyond the summer

If he continues to play at the top level and remains the clear number one in Munich, this would significantly strengthen his arguments for a return to the DFB team

The initial situation is clear: nothing has been decided yet, but the postponement of the squad nomination has triggered a dynamic that was hardly imaginable just a few weeks ago

Neuer is back on the DFB’s radar, and suddenly a comeback at the 2026 World Cup no longer seems out of the question – it seems more realistic than ever.