Loris Karius Emerges as a Candidate to Replace Manuel Neuer at Bayern Munich

Loris Karius is under consideration to succeed Manuel Neuer at Bayern Munich, SPORT reported.

The German goalkeeper joined Schalke 04 in January 2025 when the club faced relegation to the third division, subsequently keeping 12 clean sheets to help secure a return to the Bundesliga.

Sky Sports reported that Manuel Neuer plans to retire at the end of the current season. The 40-year-old goalkeeper currently deals with a right foot tendon injury that sidelines him until 2026. While Jonas Urbig remains the designated heir in Munich, club officials evaluate experienced alternatives to stabilize the position.

Bayern Munich weighs several candidates alongside Karius to address Neuer’s impending departure. Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann serves as the primary target for the German club at this stage. Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno also appears on the shortlist compiled by the Bavarian side.

Karius joined Schalke 04 following a stint with Newcastle United. His career path was previously defined by the 2018 UEFA Champions League final with Liverpool against Real Madrid. Subsequent medical reports revealed he sustained a concussion during that match following an elbow collision with Sergio Ramos.

In La Liga, Barcelona has reportedly stepped back from pursuing Julián Álvarez, according to Sports Illustrated. The Catalan club has instead shifted attention toward 16-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt prospect Niko Iličević. Barcelona faces direct competition from Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Manchester City for the young forward.

Real Madrid prepares to finalize the transfer of JJ Gabriel within the next two weeks, as reported by Jorge C. Picón and cited by Sports Illustrated. Manchester United and manager Michael Carrick attempted to keep the teenager at Old Trafford before he chose to sign his first professional contract with the Spanish club.

Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain monitor Gavi’s situation at Barcelona. According to Juan Jesus via Sports Illustrated, Barcelona will only consider a departure if the midfielder formally requests a transfer. Meanwhile, Aston Villa expressed interest in Barcelona youngster Abraima Tonkara, though the reigning league champions dismissed any exit for the La Masia product.

More on Manuel Neuer: Manuel Neuer sustains foot injury during Bayern match in Mainz · Manuel Neuer Suffers Partial Foot Tendon Tear, N-Tv.de Reports Two-Month Absence · Sepp Maier Urges Manuel Neuer to Retire Following New Injury: "Let it be, Manu!