Will Bayern Munich offer Manuel Neuer a new contract? | OneFootball

Bayern Munich travel to Bergamo to face Serie A side Atalanta in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday night.

The Bavarian giants are currently on a six-game winning run and are unbeaten in their last eight matches, and they will be confident of taking an advantage into the second leg.

Harry Kane is expected to return to action, but Vincent Kompany could still be without several key players, including Alphonso Davies, Hiroki Ito and, most notably, Manuel Neuer.

Manuel Neuer contract situation: Latest update

The veteran goalkeeper picked up an injury during Bayern’s 4-1 win over Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday night and was replaced by Jonas Urbig at half-time.

Neuer has reportedly suffered a calf strain that will rule him out of the Champions League clash against Atalanta, and he is also expected to miss the upcoming Bundesliga fixture against Bayer Leverkusen.

There has also been growing speculation surrounding Neuer’s future at the club. The 39-year-old continues to perform at a high level, and Bayern would reportedly be open to offering him a one-year contract extension.

Christian Falk has told CFBayern that the German club are willing to offer Neuer a new deal, although it remains unclear whether the goalkeeper himself is keen to continue.

“It is TRUE: Bayern Munich want to offer Manuel Neuer a one-year contract extension after his birthday. The supervisory board already talked about this. The question is only how much money they should give the goalkeeper. He was injured, and at the end of March, he’ll turn 40. Neuer’s also still one of the top earners at the club. So, the bosses are talking about whether he stays on his current salary or has to be given less money. At the moment, everyone is saying they’ll give him a new contract if he wants it. In the club, they’re not sure if Manuel Neuer wants another season. Ultimately, if we’re talking about the treble, he could end his playing career on a high – and what an end that would be! Neuer’s already made it clear that he’s not going to have any involvement in the upcoming World Cup. I heard from the club that he’s gauging his body, and he’s in two minds about whether it’s the best decision to have another year at the club. He knows he’s still at the right level to compete; he loves football, and he wants to play. That’s why it’s such a difficult decision for the shotstopper. One of the people at the club told me he’s not a man who wears his heart on his sleeve; he’s always keeping secrets, and no one quite knows what he’s thinking.” 

Manuel Neuer: Still one of the best in the Bundesliga

Neuer has made 19 Bundesliga starts this season, along with seven appearances in the Champions League, highlighting how important he still is to Kompany’s squad.

Jonas Urbig is widely viewed as a long-term successor, although the young goalkeeper is reportedly happy to remain Neuer’s understudy for another season.

However, if Neuer is offered a new contract, Bayern will need to ensure that Urbig receives a fair share of playing time next season.

Should Bayern go on to win the treble this season, Neuer could choose to bring his illustrious career to an end on a high note, although for now his long-term future remains uncertain.