Christoph Freund, sporting director of FC Bayern Munich, publicly denied reports that goalkeeper Manuel Neuer had agreed to a one-year contract extension on Friday, contradicting earlier claims by the Münchner Abendzeitung.
The denial came during a pre-match press conference ahead of Bayern’s Bundesliga fixture against Mainz, where Freund stated he had heard nothing of such an agreement and expressed surprise at the media’s assertion.
“I’m hearing this for the first time. Often the media recognize more than we do. These talks have not taken place, which is why I’m somewhat surprised,” Freund said, adding that although there is an ongoing exchange with Neuer, no formal discussion about extension has occurred.
The Abendzeitung had reported Thursday that Neuer had decided to stay until 2027, a claim echoed by Sky Sport and transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, who noted a positive tone in behind-the-scenes conversations despite the lack of a formal offer.
Bayern’s internal stance, however, remains consistent: the club wants Neuer to stay, but insists the initiative must reach from the player himself.
Sportvorstand Max Eberl reinforced this position after the Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Real Madrid, saying, “The ball is with Manu. It’s about fitness, mental freshness, and the desire for another year — he needs to signal that to some extent.”
Neuer, who turns 41 in March 2027, has not committed publicly, though he told Sky after Bayern’s DFB-Pokal win over Bayer Leverkusen that “it looks good at the moment” without confirming any decision.
The veteran goalkeeper has hinted at a personal shift in sentiment, telling BILD he now feels a deeper connection to the squad and club under Vincent Kompany, saying, “You notice something has grown. We all benefit from each other. Right now, it’s a lot of fun.”
Despite the denial, sources close to the club indicate growing internal optimism that Neuer will choose to extend, with one Bayern insider telling BILD that belief in a renewal is increasing behind the scenes.
Neuer’s current contract expires on June 30, 2026. A one-year extension would keep him at the club through the 2026–27 season, potentially allowing him to surpass 500 appearances for Bayern.
At 40 years old, Neuer remains Bayern’s first-choice goalkeeper, having started 28 Bundesliga matches this season and maintaining a 68% save percentage, according to league data.
Why did Christoph Freund deny the extension report?
Freund stated he had no knowledge of any agreement and said such talks had not taken place, expressing surprise that the media reported it as fact.
What does Manuel Neuer say about his future?
Neuer has not confirmed a decision but said after the Leverkusen match that “it looks good at the moment,” while noting he feels a stronger bond with the team and enjoys playing under Kompany.
Is a contract extension still possible despite the denial?
Yes, Bayern officials including Eberl and Romano have indicated ongoing positive discussions, and the club maintains that the decision rests entirely with Neuer.
