DFB sports director Rudi Völler has reportedly approached Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer about a potential national team return if Marc-André ter Stegen is sidelined. The report comes from the 'Bild' newspaper. Ter Stegen is currently recovering from back surgery.
The German Football Association (DFB) faces a potential goalkeeper crisis for World Cup qualification. According to the 'Bild' newspaper, sports director Rudi Völler has approached 39-year-old Manuel Neuer, the 2014 world champion, about a national team comeback in case of Marc-André ter Stegen's absence. Ter Stegen, FC Barcelona's regular keeper, is currently sidelined due to back surgery and needs to regain match fitness upon return to remain the number one for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
In the TV show 'Sky 90 - the Football Debate,' Völler stated that Neuer's return is not currently an issue, though he understands the discussion. Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann is currently standing in for ter Stegen in the DFB team.
Neuer himself recently dismissed speculation. After Bayern Munich's 5-0 win over Hamburger SV, he told Sky: 'But the fact is, I decided not to play for the national team anymore.' When asked if this decision was final, he replied: 'Yes.'