Bayern Munich legend set to extend contract

Bayern Munich are set to hand legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer a new one-year contract that will extend his stay with the club into a 15th season.

Injuries have put a ceiling on Neuer's availability for much of the last eight years, missing the end of 2024 with broken rib, but the 38-year-old is expected back soon.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Bayern are "prepared to proceed with formal steps" that will result in Neuer signing a 12-month deal until the end of 2025/26.

The 2014 World Cup winner will turn 40 during that campaign, having made his senior bow for Schalke way back in 2006. He is chasing a 12th Bundesliga title this season, having also previously won the DFB-Pokal on five occasions and the Champions League twice.

An injury-free run once Neuer returns from his latest absence could see him surpass 600 Bayern appearances by the end of next season. He is currently on 540, eighth on the club's all-time list, but would break into the top five if he can at least better the late Franz Beckenbauer's 582.

Neuer, the most recent goalkeeper to finish in the top three of the Ballon d'Or, has pioneered the modern role of the sweeper-keeper with a willingness to rush off his line and involve himself in games in a way that most goalkeepers previously didn't. He is also regarded as a particularly complete example of a goalkeeper, skilled across a broad range of attributes.

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