Jürgen Klopp must find a new number one goalkeeper for the Germany national team following the retirement of Manuel Neuer. The new head coach will announce his first squad on Thursday for four UEFA Nations League matches against the Netherlands, Greece, and Serbia.
The succession to record-holder Neuer, who stepped down after Germany's early 2026 World Cup exit, is completely open. A whole host of goalkeepers are hoping for the call-up. Among the most experienced candidates is Oliver Baumann. The 36-year-old Hoffenheim keeper has 13 caps and has been in contact with the new manager. "Yes, I was in contact with him," said Baumann. "He'll say everything else on Thursday. We'll see about the rest-that’s for him to handle."
Ter Stegen and Nübel in the frame
Marc-André ter Stegen, two years younger than Baumann, is also in focus. The long-time Barcelona player is currently on loan at Ajax. "As far as ter Stegen is concerned, I assume he’ll definitely be in the mix," said Lothar Matthäus. "If he continues to perform well in Amsterdam, he's a candidate for the number one spot." Ter Stegen has struggled with several serious injuries and a legal dispute with his parent club in the past.
Alexander Nübel, who was the third-choice goalkeeper at the 2026 World Cup behind Neuer, moved to Besiktas in the summer and, at 29, offers a good mix of experience and potential. The name Loris Karius is also mentioned. The 33-year-old, who was at times Klopp's first choice at Liverpool and has played for Schalke since January 2025, would be a surprise solution.
The younger generation
The future, however, belongs to a younger cohort. Jonas Urbig (23) is Bayern Munich's backup goalkeeper and a hopeful for the future. Noah Atubolu (24) of Eintracht Frankfurt, who was the U21 number one from 2022 to 2025 and was called up to the senior squad once in October 2025, has Nigerian heritage. Mio Backhaus (22) of Freiburg, whose mother is from Japan, progressed through Germany's youth national teams up to the U21 level.
Further talents like Finn Dahmen (28, Augsburg), Dennis Seimen (20, Stuttgart), and Diant Ramaj (24, recently moved from Heidenheim to Copenhagen) complete the field. They all also have options to play for other national teams.
The decision comes against the backdrop of positive recent form. The team sits top of their World Cup qualifying group with six points from three games and has recorded three wins, one draw, and one defeat in its last five competitive matches. The most recent match was a 1-1 draw against Paraguay on June 29. The next task is the Nations League away game against the Netherlands on September 24. The goalkeeper decision is Klopp's first major personnel choice for the upcoming tournament cycle.
Read the full report at DW Sports
