Manuel Neuer has stepped down from the national team following Germany's early exit from the 2026 World Cup, and now the selection of a new goalkeeper for the German national team is on the agenda.
Main Options for Germany's Goalkeeping
Jonas Oerbig is seen as a clear option for Germany's goalkeeping, but Manuel Neuer's presence as the main goalkeeper for Bayern Munich has severely limited Oerbig's playing time. If he were Bayern's first choice, he would likely be Germany's number one goalkeeper by now. However, it seems that Jürgen Klopp, the new head coach of Germany, may not even invite him to his first camp. Klopp will announce the team lineup for four UEFA Nations League matches on September 17. None of the positions in the German team are as available as the goalkeeper position.
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Other Competitors for the Goalkeeping Position
Oliver Baumann, the goalkeeper for Hoffenheim, represents the type of dedicated goalkeepers who could be chosen as Germany's number one. Baumann turned 36 this summer, and with his age, he may not be able to serve as a stable option for the national team in the future. Klopp is also looking for a goalkeeper who can play a role in his attacking style. Marc-André ter Stegen, the Barcelona goalkeeper who has been sidelined due to injuries, is being considered as a serious option given his improved performance at Ajax.
Alexander Noble, Germany's third goalkeeper at the World Cup, has moved to Beşiktaş and has had a good start. However, Toni Schumacher, the former national team goalkeeper, does not see this transfer as beneficial for Noble and believes that playing in the domestic league has a more positive impact.
Loris Karius, who currently plays for Schalke and has a history of working with Klopp at Liverpool, is also another option. He has been performing well lately and may return to the national squad.
If none of the clear options are chosen, young goalkeepers like Noah Atobolo and Mio Backhaus could also be considered as alternatives. Atobolo was the number one for Germany's under-21 team, and Backhaus, due to his Japanese heritage, is an interesting option.
Andreas Köpke, Germany's national team goalkeeper in 1996, has pointed out that it is necessary to select a young goalkeeper as number one. He has introduced Oerbig along with Backhaus and Atobolo as promising options for the future.
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