by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Ahead of Germany's mandatory squad announcement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on May 21, veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has reportedly emerged as a surprise candidate for a national team return.
According to German magazine Kicker, the 40-year-old's comeback to the national team has not been ruled out.
The publication reported that Neuer is included on the preliminary list of 55 players submitted by Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann ahead of the tournament.
Despite Neuer announcing his international retirement after UEFA Euro 2024, and Nagelsmann repeatedly referring to that decision in recent months, Kicker said the 2014 World Cup winner is now being seriously considered for a recall.
The magazine added that signs are growing the 38-year-old Nagelsmann has reconsidered his previous stance on bringing Neuer back into the squad.
So far, Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann has been named Germany's first-choice keeper for the World Cup, with Stuttgart's Alexander Nubel viewed as the backup option.
Kicker reported that Baumann, Nubel, Augsburg goalkeeper Finn Dahmen, Bayern Munich's Jonas Urbig and Neuer are all under consideration.
While German media reports indicate Neuer is close to signing a one-year contract extension with Bayern Munich, another surprise development also appears possible.
Bild reported that talks between Neuer and Bayern are ongoing, with the veteran goalkeeper prepared to help oversee a transition period as 22-year-old Urbig gradually takes over as the club's first-choice keeper.
Bayern supervisory board member Uli Hoeness recently described Neuer as a valuable mentor for Urbig's development.
Nagelsmann is expected to reduce his World Cup goalkeeping options to three next Thursday.
According to the reports, Neuer would consider reversing his international retirement if Nagelsmann were to restore him as Germany's first-choice goalkeeper for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The goalkeeper and Nagelsmann are also said to have repaired tensions dating back to the coach's time at Bayern Munich.
Neuer retired from international football after Euro 2024 following an injury-hit period that began with the serious skiing accident he suffered in December 2022.
His performances for Bayern in the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League this season have reignited speculation over a possible return after previously stating he intended to focus solely on club football. ■
