Contract and injuries: Manuel Neuer cannot ignore the problems - neither can FC Bayern

Manuel Neuer has to go out injured in Bayern’s victory over Gladbach. Again. Shortly before the decision as to whether the soon-to-be 40-year-old will continue or quit, neither Neuer nor Bayern can ignore the increasingly regular problems.

Biology is ruthless. Even an exceptional athlete like Manuel Neuer feels this. The goalkeeper giant will soon be celebrating his 40th birthday, and it is becoming increasingly clear that he must mercilessly pay tribute to the comparatively old age of the athlete.

Neuer was in FC Bayern’s 4-1 win over Gladbach substituted at halftime. Anew. In mid-February, the ex-national keeper tore a muscle fiber in his calf, and now the same area is affected. How heavy? Still unclear. He had already suffered a torn muscle fiber in his thigh in December.

The question of whether Neuer would extend his contract one last time, for another season, seemed like a formality. But it isn’t. Because neither Neuer nor FC Bayern can and should ignore the increasingly regular problems.

When it comes to the contract issue, there is the Neuer view and the Bayern view

There are two narratives involved. Once the sporty new view. When the body no longer functions as it should, the risk of errors increases. This season, Neuer – when fit – usually made strong saves and for a long time he was even considered a potential German World Cup goalkeeper.

Nevertheless, every wobble also provoked doubts. Especially since Neuer, the legend, is being looked at very closely. Scratches easily burn into the monument, especially under the guise of declining fitness. Does he want to risk that?

In the shadow of the giant: Manuel Neuer and his designated successor Jonas Urbig (l.) IMAGO/RHR photo

The other is the Bayern view. With Jonas Urbig, Neuer’s designated successor is ready. Contrary to previous cases (Alexander Nübel), the umpteen world goalkeeper himself helped to build up his young heir to the throne. Urbig can be trusted to be number one, that’s not the point.

Can and does FC Bayern want to afford a vulnerable, 40-year-old top earner?

More crucial: Can and does FC Bayern want to afford to employ an injury-prone 40-year-old who is also one of the top earners? In February, Neuer’s salary of an estimated 20 million euros was said to have been discussed at a supervisory board meeting. Apparently there are voices internally that advocate a more performance-related contract, in other words: for savings.

It’s just a feeling so far, but it’s gradually getting stronger. We have to be prepared for a monumental career to end in the summer.