Bayern Munich Eye Oliver Baumann as Potential Neuer Successor

Bayern Munich are considering Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann as a potential signing should Manuel Neuer retire this summer, according to German publication Bild.

Neuer, 38, is out of contract at the end of the season and has not yet decided whether to continue his playing career. Should the 2014 World Cup winner retire, the club's plan is to promote 21-year-old Jonas Urbig to the number one position.

In that scenario, the club would seek an experienced, reliable goalkeeper to serve as a deputy and mentor. According to Bild, 33-year-old Oliver Baumann has been identified as the leading candidate for that role. The Hoffenheim and Germany international has previously been considered by Bayern in the past.

Baumann, who has one senior cap for Germany, is the current first-choice goalkeeper for Hoffenheim, where he has made over 400 appearances since 2014. He is under contract with Hoffenheim until 2028. It remains unclear if the 35-year-old, who is currently in the national team setup, would be open to a backup role at this stage of his career.

Bayern's goalkeeping situation is in a state of transition. Manuel Neuer's future is the primary factor, but the club is also preparing for all eventualities. The potential promotion of Jonas Urbig, a 21-year-old academy product, to the first team is a key part of the club's succession planning. Securing a veteran like Baumann would provide stability and experience to support the younger keeper's development.