The Bayern captain, who turns 40 during the Ruckrunde, remains at the centre of the club's long-term planning despite intense scrutiny following the recent Champions League defeat at Arsenal.

It had been a bruising few days for Bayern. Their unbeaten start to the season ended in London, where Arsenal's 3-1 victory featured a decisive third goal following a rare mistake from Neuer. Vincent Kompany backed his goalkeeper after the match, and the Bayern head coach repeated that defence in Friday's press conference, stressing that Neuer “did the right thing" by coming off his line and adding that “credit goes to Martinelli" for finishing decisively at the Emirates.

Despite that moment, Neuer's form across the season has remained strong. Earlier in November, he delivered a standout performance in Paris as Bayern, reduced to ten men for the entire second half, earned a 2-1 win away to defending European champions PSG. His consistency has fuelled reports in Germany that Bayern want to extend his contract for another year.

Speaking after the St Pauli win, Neuer confirmed talks were not urgent. “The crucial factor will be how I feel," he said. “We will see in the second half of the season. I will think about it more towards March during the international break."

Bayern's hierarchy remain convinced Neuer can contribute at the highest level, both on the pitch and in the dressing room. The club have already lined up Jonas Urbig as his eventual successor. Urbig, who arrived in Munich at the start of 2025, deputised impressively during Neuer's injury absence last season and is featuring in the DFB-Pokal this term. Bayern expect the 21-year-old to increase his Bundesliga and Champions League minutes over the next 18 months.

Neuer also shut down talk of a national-team comeback. Calls in the German media and from former internationals have grown in recent weeks, but the goalkeeper was clear that his retirement after Euro 2024 will stand. He said he stepped away to focus completely on Bayern and will not reverse that decision.

For now, Bayern supporters will hope Neuer's experience and enduring quality help drive another push for silverware as the season moves into its decisive phase.

Man Utd closing in on Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt