Neuer ready for national team return, says agent

Manuel Neuer's recent form has reignited speculation about a potential return of the 2014 World Cup winner to the German national team.

The 39-year-old Bayern Munich goalkeeper remains in peak condition, according to his agent Thomas Kroth.

"If national coach Julian Nagelsmann sees a problem in this position, and Manuel is healthy and would be asked, he wouldn't say no," Kroth told German television in a recent interview, noting the close relationship and regular communication between the coach and the player.

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer of Germany attends a training session in Dusseldorf, Germany, March 30, 2021. Germany is to play against North Macedonia in a FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifier match in Germany's Duisburg on March 31. (Photo by Ulrich Hufnagel/Xinhua)

With current first-choice Marc-Andre ter Stegen sidelined following back surgery, calls for Neuer's return have intensified. Several former internationals, including Lothar Matthaeus, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sepp Maier, have publicly urged Nagelsmann to bring him back.

"He is still our best," said Schweinsteiger, while Matthaeus highlighted Neuer's unparalleled experience. "It might help the struggling team gain stability. No other keeper can rely on similar experience when it comes to major tournaments," the German record international added.

Nagelsmann has so far remained optimistic about Ter Stegen's recovery, saying, "Marc is returning in December, plays the last pre-World Cup games in March and June, and is in our goal for the tournament."

But doubts persist. Ter Stegen has also lost his starting role at Barcelona, raising questions about his ability to regain form and match fitness in time for the 2026 World Cup.

Neuer stepped away from the national team after Euro 2024, ending a 124-cap career to focus fully on Bayern. Since then, Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann has deputized, performing solidly but lacking international pedigree.

"Club games on national and international stages are one thing, but a major tournament is another challenge," Matthaeus observed.

To compete at the highest level after 12 years, Matthaeus stressed, requires "a vigorous pursuit of the goal."