Jonas Urbig's Path to No. 1 for Club and Country Develops

Bayern Munich is building its future goalkeeping strategy around Jonas Urbig. While he currently serves as Manuel Neuer's backup, Bayern has strategically included Urbig in early-season matches. The former 1. FC Cologne keeper has played in two of Bayern's first six competitive games. This approach aims to keep Urbig in form and aid his development behind a decorated veteran.

Since joining Bayern in January 2025 from Cologne, Urbig has accumulated 34 competitive appearances. Last season, injuries to Neuer provided him significant playing time, allowing him to showcase his skills at a high level. These performances have eased initial concerns within the Bayern leadership. According to Kicker, the club now sees Urbig as possessing the qualities needed to succeed Neuer.

The internal expectation is that Urbig could become Bayern's primary goalkeeper as early as next summer.

Bayern Increasingly Plans Around Urbig

Neuer's future plays a key role. The Bayern captain has indicated that this season might be his last. Following a recent 0-0 draw at Schalke, Neuer commented that he likely wouldn't play at the Veltins-Arena again. If the 40-year-old retires next summer, Bayern aims for a smooth handover.

Urbig would step into the starting position. However, Bayern's plans go beyond just giving him the gloves. Kicker reports that Sven Ulreich is also expected to retire if Neuer finishes his career. This would require Bayern to sign at least one, possibly two, new goalkeepers.

The preferred scenario involves signing an experienced second-choice keeper who can support Urbig without hindering his progress. Bayern seeks a goalkeeper willing to be a backup but reliable enough to play when needed, mirroring Ulreich's current role.

Augsburg's Finn Dahmen is reportedly a candidate, though discussions are not advanced, and he might not fit the typical reserve role. Bayern is also exploring internal options for the third-string position.

Highly regarded academy player Leonard Prescott is considered a potential future third-choice keeper. The 16-year-old, standing at 1.96 meters, is currently recovering from a knee injury but has already appeared on the senior squad list multiple times under Vincent Kompany.

A potential future goalkeeping lineup could feature Urbig as the established starter, an experienced external backup, and Prescott continuing his development as the third keeper.

Urbig Enters Germany's Goalkeeping Picture

Urbig's development has also caught the attention of the national team. New Germany coach Jürgen Klopp included him among five goalkeepers in his initial 44-man squad. The selection sparked discussion, as Urbig is still behind Neuer at the club level.

Supporters highlight Urbig's reliable performances when called upon, his distribution, reflexes, and experience playing under pressure at Bayern. Critics argue that a national team goalkeeper should first establish himself as a clear starter for his club over a sustained period.

Bayern's head coach appears confident in Urbig's career trajectory.

Vincent Kompany on Jonas Urbig

“You naturally have to plan a little bit for the future, also with the national team,” Kompany stated at a press conference last week when addressing Klopp’s decision to nominate Urbig. “And if anyone believes that he won’t become Germany’s No. 1 at some point, then I think they’re making a big mistake. The kid will be No. 1 one day.”

“When Jürgen Klopp decides when that will be — whether it’s in one year or five years — I have no idea,” Kompany added. “But the situation is also sometimes a little different when you’re the No. 2 behind one of the best goalkeepers of all time.”

“You also have to take a little bit of the context into account,” Kompany concluded. “That’s why it was a sensible, stable decision. I would have done exactly the same.”