Key Takeaways:
- Agent Thomas Kroth has confirmed Manuel Neuer’s readiness to return to the German national squad if required
- Marc-André ter Stegen is sidelined following back surgery in July and will miss the remainder of the World Cup qualifying campaign through mid-November
- Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nübel have deputised recently, with Baumann starting the latest qualifiers against Slovakia and Northern Ireland
Neuer’s Prospective Return to International Duty
Bayern Munich’s veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer could be set for a surprise return to the German national side following recent statements from his agent, Thomas Kroth. In an interview with “Frankfurter Rundschau,” Kroth underlined Neuer’s exceptional form, revealing: “He is in excellent shape and performing at his best. If Julian Nagelsmann has a problem in this position, Manuel is healthy and if asked to play, he certainly will not refuse.”
When questioned about the Bayern Munich captain’s suitability for next year’s World Cup despite approaching his 40th birthday, Kroth responded: “If I give a clear answer now, I’ll be opening a can of worms.”
🤯 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠?
After retiring in 2024, Manuel Neuer’s agent has now fueled speculation about him returning to Germany's national team and reclaiming Germany’s No.1 spot 👀
Should Neuer return or is it time for the next generation? pic.twitter.com/fZ8w9DaImZ
— DW Sports (@dw_sports) September 10, 2025
Germany’s Goalkeeping Conundrum
Following Neuer’s retirement from international football after Euro 2024, Marc-André ter Stegen was named first-choice goalkeeper by head coach Julian Nagelsmann. However, ter Stegen underwent back surgery in July and is expected to be unavailable for the remainder of the World Cup qualifiers, which run until mid-November.
Although Nagelsmann expressed that ter Stegen would regain his status as first choice provided he features regularly at club level, the Barcelona keeper is currently third in the club’s pecking order this season. In ter Stegen’s absence, goalkeeping duties have alternated between Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nübel, with Baumann receiving the nod for Germany’s qualifying fixtures against Slovakia and Northern Ireland.
