The future of Bayern Munich’s goalkeeper position next season remains uncertain with many unresolved issues. However, Lothar Matthäus has ruled out one possibility: Alexander Nübel will not succeed Manuel Neuer, whose contract expires in the summer of 2026.
“Overall, his season at Stuttgart has not been impressive so far,” the 64-year-old legend wrote in his column, noting that Nübel’s situation at Bayern Munich has not improved since the signing of Jonas Urbig in January 2025.
“He has now received the playing opportunities that Nübel failed to get four or five years ago,” Matthäus explained, adding: “On the other hand, Bayern Munich has also proven that Urbig is not just a player who can feature in the first round of cup games against amateur teams – he has also played in the Bundesliga for Stuttgart, who are currently fifth. That’s a remarkable achievement!”
The football legend believes several factors, including age, work in Urbig’s favor. After all, Nübel (29) is seven years older than Bayern Munich’s current backup goalkeeper.
“Nübel has been on loan for nearly five years. This unstable situation means I cannot have confidence in him. He’s a problem player,” Matthäus said bluntly.
He pointed out that although Nübel joined Bayern Munich from Schalke 04 as a free agent in 2020, he signed a “lucrative contract,” so Bayern’s management hopes to get a transfer fee for him. “Bayern will not let him leave on a free transfer,” Matthäus stated.
