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Manuel Neuer’s anticipated return to the German national team for the upcoming World Cup continues to generate intense debate, once again drawing scrutiny from critics and pundits alike.

When Germany’s head coach Julian Nagelsmann announces his official squad for the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico on Thursday at 1 pm, Manuel Neuer’s inclusion is almost certain. This selection, however, is expected to face sharp criticism from former German international Dietmar Hamann. The outspoken analyst has labelled the 40-year-old Bayern Munich goalkeeper’s comeback—after nearly two years out—as a potential “danger,” as he explained in an interview with Absolut Fußball.

Hamann argued that “selecting Neuer could divide the dressing room,” adding, “I’m sure plenty of players outside Bayern support Baumann. We can’t afford further unrest,” the 52-year-old television expert remarked.

In recent months, Nagelsmann had publicly backed Oliver Baumann, insisting that the TSG Hoffenheim goalkeeper would be Germany’s number one for the tournament. However, after Neuer’s exceptional display in the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid, speculation about a comeback for the veteran shot-stopper—who had retired following the home European Championship—quickly gathered pace.

According to a report by Sport Bild, though, fears of a divided squad are minimal. The outlet claims that not only Bayern’s key figures but also several senior German internationals from other clubs have encouraged Nagelsmann to reintegrate the 40-year-old back into the national setup.

As Neuer edges closer to returning to the DFB squad, Hamann has seized the moment to revisit the goalkeeper’s costly mistakes against Real Madrid.

In a development first reported by Sky, it was revealed on Saturday that Nagelsmann and Neuer had already agreed upon his World Cup return—despite earlier assurances given to Baumann. Hamann expressed disbelief at the move, pointing out Neuer’s inconsistent record with the national team and his two notable errors in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid.

“He played a big part in our early exits in Russia and Qatar,” Hamann criticised. “Yes, Neuer has made some brilliant saves this season, but he also made a serious blunder in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real. We shouldn’t overlook that.” He further commented that he was “nowhere near convinced that Neuer will necessarily have a standout tournament.”

Meanwhile, Nagelsmann’s hopes of relying on Marc-Andre ter Stegen have come to nothing, and Max Kruse has now added fuel to the fire with his own theory.

Joining Hamann’s line of criticism, former international Max Kruse has strongly condemned Nagelsmann’s choice to reinstate Neuer as the first-choice goalkeeper while dropping Baumann so close to the World Cup. “For me, it’s totally unacceptable to reopen this issue on the final matchday,” Kruse said during a Twitch livestream, while also floating a controversial suspicion.

According to Kruse, Nagelsmann never genuinely planned to start Baumann at the World Cup. Instead, he had been counting on Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s recovery. Following Neuer’s retirement, Nagelsmann had practically assured the injury-hit FC Barcelona goalkeeper of the number one spot, but events took a dramatic turn for the 34-year-old.

First, ter Stegen suffered a patellar tendon tear, lost his place in Barcelona’s lineup, and later underwent back surgery. In search of regular minutes, he joined Girona on loan in January. However, after only two promising appearances, he suffered another major setback—a severe thigh injury—which forced him back onto the sidelines. He has not played since late January and will now miss the World Cup altogether.

“I believe Nagelsmann was waiting to see if ter Stegen could recover. When that didn’t happen, he turned back to Neuer,” Kruse concluded.

Neuer’s return means that Urbig and Nübel will complete Nagelsmann’s four-man goalkeeping group for the tournament.

Despite Baumann’s omission from the final squad shortly before the World Cup, reports suggest he expressed disappointment to Nagelsmann but still offered to remain available as a backup option for Neuer, given the Bayern keeper’s recurring injury issues this season.

Neuer’s participation in Saturday’s cup final against VfB Stuttgart remains uncertain after he sustained a fresh calf injury during the final Bundesliga game against 1. FC Köln. The veteran goalkeeper had already missed multiple matches earlier due to three minor calf strains.

Jonas Urbig replaced Neuer in that game and, according to consistent media reports, will accompany the national team to the World Cup as a training goalkeeper. The third goalkeeping spot in Nagelsmann’s squad is expected to go to Alexander Nübel of VfB Stuttgart.