Karius puts himself forward to replace Neuer

The Bayern Munich has included Loris Karius, a 33-year-old German goalkeeper, on its list of candidates to strengthen the goal for the 2027-28 season, given the likely retirement of Manuel Neuer at the end of the current campaign. According to Florian Plettenberg from Sky Sport Germany, the Schalke 04 goalkeeper fits due to his experience and performance, even though his contract runs until 2028.

Bayern seeks experience to support Jonas Urbig

The possible departure of Neuer has led Bayern to prepare a transition in goal. According to information published by Sky Sport, the club believes that Jonas Urbig, aged 23, is set to take over as the starter, which is why they are looking for another experienced goalkeeper who can support him and compete for the position.

Karius appears on that list along with Oliver Baumann from Hoffenheim and Bernd Leno from Fulham. However, the Hoffenheim keeper would be the preferred option of the sporting management, while Leno is also among the candidates to assume a secondary role in Munich. The inclusion of the Schalke player does not mean that there is a formal offer or that negotiations have begun.

The profile that Bayern is looking for explains the interest in Karius. At 33 years old, the German has experience in various European competitions and understands the pressure of defending the goal of a top club. The Bavarian entity is thus considering a signing that provides immediate competition without displacing Urbig from the future plan.

🚨🧤EXCL | Loris Karius now also on FC Bayern’s shortlist due to his experience and performances. 33 y/o also fits the profile Bayern are looking for. His contract with Schalke 04 expires in 2028. Much will depend on whether Schalke manage to secure promotion or not. #S04 @SkySportDE 🇩🇪

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 9, 2026

Schalke holds the key to Loris Karius' future

The main condition is the sporting situation of Schalke 04. Karius is contracted until 2028, so any early exit would require negotiations with his club, unless there is some contractual condition that facilitates the operation.

Plettenberg points out that the chances of a possible move will largely depend on whether Schalke secures promotion. If the team does not reach that goal, the scenario could change and allow the goalkeeper to consider a move to a Bundesliga project. For now, there is no confirmed transfer fee or sufficient indications to present the signing as an open negotiation.

Bayern will also need to evaluate the available alternatives. Baumann offers continuity in the Bundesliga, while Leno would bring experience in Germany and England. Karius, for his part, could represent a different option if Schalke agrees to negotiate and the player is open to taking on a supporting role in Munich.

Neuer facing possible retirement in 2027

Bayern's planning is linked to the future of Manuel Neuer, who is 40 years old, with his contract ending at the end of the season. Sky Sport considers it likely that the captain will end his professional career in the summer of 2027, although no definitive decision has been announced. Furthermore, a recent injury to his right foot will keep him sidelined for the remainder of 2026, according to information from the German outlet.

The next step will be to see how Schalke's situation evolves during the season and what decision Neuer makes regarding his continuity. Loris Karius is already among Bayern's candidates, but his possible arrival will depend on both the exit conditions from his current club and the final choice of the sporting management, which still considers Baumann as the main target.