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Manuel Neuer’s much-anticipated return to the German national team could have major implications, with reports suggesting that several FC Bayern Munich players were instrumental in encouraging his comeback ahead of the World Cup.

Although Neuer’s final medical clearance is yet to be confirmed, the blueprint for his return is already in place. Both members of the DFB setup and his Bayern teammates are believed to have been influential in the process.

As per Sport Bild, several senior figures within the German squad have urged head coach Julian Nagelsmann to bring Neuer back into the fold for the World Cup. Bayern players, in particular, are said to have consistently advised their long-time captain to reconsider his international retirement.

Momentum behind the idea reportedly picked up after Neuer’s standout performances in the Champions League — notably in the first leg against Real Madrid and in the semi-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain. Following discussions with his family, the 40-year-old goalkeeper informed both the DFB and Nagelsmann that he was ready to make a return.

Although communication between Neuer and Nagelsmann had initially been minimal, the two have since held more frequent discussions. Multiple media outlets now suggest that Neuer is almost certain to reclaim his position as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper for the World Cup finals to be held across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Nagelsmann has reportedly already spoken to Oliver Baumann regarding this decision. According to Abendzeitung, the coach had promised the 35-year-old TSG Hoffenheim keeper back in March that he would be Germany’s number one at the World Cup, regardless of Neuer’s potential comeback. Now, Nagelsmann has had to reverse that assurance. Sources indicate that Baumann was deeply disappointed by the change but assured Nagelsmann he would remain available as a backup option.

However, Neuer’s physical condition remains a potential concern. The veteran goalkeeper is again dealing with calf issues, which could rule him out of the upcoming DFB-Pokal final against VfB Stuttgart. Sport Bild reports that Neuer will start only if he returns to full training by Thursday.

Nagelsmann and his coaching team are closely monitoring the situation to determine whether the recurring injury could threaten Neuer’s World Cup participation. A meeting between the coach and his captain is scheduled for Thursday, just before the squad announcement, to clarify any lingering doubts.

Neuer has already sustained three separate calf muscle tears this season, forcing him to miss several matches. During his absences, Jonas Urbig has performed impressively, and his strong displays have put him in contention for a place in the World Cup squad as well.

Meanwhile, a possible World Cup recall for Neuer could complicate matters for Alexander Nübel. According to Süddeutsche Zeitung, Nagelsmann is considering naming a provisional four-man goalkeeper group for pre-tournament training: Neuer, Urbig, Baumann, and Nübel. However, Abendzeitung notes that Nübel’s inclusion is uncertain due to his strained relationship with Neuer, who is now at VfB Stuttgart. If Nübel is left out, Nagelsmann is reportedly assessing Finn Dahmen of FC Augsburg and Noah Atubolu of SC Freiburg as possible alternatives.

Nübel, once seen as Neuer’s long-term successor, joined Bayern Munich from Schalke 04 in 2020 on a free transfer. However, limited playing time prompted loan spells — first to AS Monaco for two seasons and then to VfB Stuttgart, where he has now completed an impressive third campaign ahead of Saturday’s cup final.

His future remains unresolved. Nübel’s contract with Bayern runs until 2030, but Neuer’s recent one-year extension effectively blocks his path back to Munich — a stance confirmed by sporting director Christoph Freund. VfB Stuttgart are unable or unwilling to match the goalkeeper’s reported €12 million annual salary, and reports from Sky suggest Bayern are seeking a transfer fee between €10 million and €15 million.