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Manuel Neuer’s comeback to the German national team ahead of the World Cup has sparked fresh debate and drawn sharp criticism from several quarters.

When Germany’s head coach Julian Nagelsmann reveals his official World Cup squad for the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico on Thursday at 1pm, Manuel Neuer’s inclusion is widely expected. The decision, however, has already provoked strong reactions, especially from former Germany international Dietmar Hamann. The outspoken pundit views the 40-year-old Bayern Munich goalkeeper’s return, after a two-year absence, as a potential ‘risk’ for team unity. Speaking to Absolut Fußball, Hamann didn’t hold back his opinion on the matter.

“Selecting Neuer could divide the dressing room,” Hamann asserted. “I’m sure there are many players outside of Bayern who would rather support Baumann. We shouldn’t take the chance of causing further unrest,” the 52-year-old television expert explained.

For months, Nagelsmann had publicly backed Oliver Baumann, the TSG Hoffenheim goalkeeper, reaffirming his position as Germany’s number one for the World Cup. However, following Neuer’s standout performance in the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid, rumours gained momentum regarding the veteran keeper’s possible return. Neuer, who had previously retired from international duty after the home European Championship, suddenly found himself back in the spotlight.

According to Sport Bild, though, the likelihood of a rift within the squad appears minimal. The publication claims that not only Bayern Munich’s senior figures but also several experienced internationals outside the club have encouraged Nagelsmann to reinstate the 40-year-old shot-stopper.

As Manuel Neuer prepares to rejoin the DFB setup, Hamann has reminded fans of the goalkeeper’s costly mistakes against Real Madrid in recent seasons.

A report from Sky on Saturday revealed that Nagelsmann and Neuer had already agreed on his tournament return—despite the coach’s earlier assurances to Baumann. Hamann expressed his confusion about the decision, pointing to Neuer’s inconsistent performances for the national team and his two major errors in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid.

“He was a key factor in our early exits in Russia and Qatar,” Hamann stated bluntly. “Yes, Neuer has produced some excellent saves this season, but we can’t ignore his blunder in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real. That’s still fresh in memory.” He further added that he was “not confident Neuer will necessarily have an outstanding tournament.”

Meanwhile, Nagelsmann’s patience regarding Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s recovery has seemingly run out, leading to further criticism from another former international, Max Kruse.

Echoing Hamann’s sentiments, Kruse has strongly condemned Nagelsmann’s move to reinstate Neuer as the first-choice goalkeeper while sidelining Baumann just before the World Cup. “For me, it’s completely unacceptable to reopen this debate on the final matchday,” Kruse said during a Twitch livestream, while also suggesting a controversial theory.

According to Kruse, Nagelsmann never truly intended to make Baumann Germany’s number one and was instead waiting for ter Stegen to recover. After Neuer’s retirement, the coach had reportedly promised the FC Barcelona goalkeeper—who has been plagued by injuries—a starting spot for the World Cup. However, fate had other plans for the 34-year-old.

Ter Stegen first suffered a patellar tendon rupture, lost his starting position at Barcelona, and later underwent back surgery. In search of regular playing time, he moved on loan to Girona in January. After just two promising matches, he was struck by another major setback—this time a severe thigh injury that required surgery again. He hasn’t played since late January and will consequently miss the World Cup.

“I think Nagelsmann was just holding out hope that ter Stegen would recover. When that didn’t happen, he turned back to Neuer,” Kruse concluded.

The final goalkeeping group for the World Cup will consist of Urbig, Nübel, Neuer, and Baumann.

Although Baumann was dropped from the final squad shortly before the tournament, reports suggest that he expressed his disappointment directly to Nagelsmann. Nevertheless, he offered to serve as backup to Neuer, who has also struggled with injuries throughout the season.

Neuer’s participation in Saturday’s cup final against VfB Stuttgart remains uncertain after he picked up a calf injury during the final Bundesliga match against 1. FC Köln. The veteran keeper had already missed several matches earlier in the season due to three separate minor calf issues.

Jonas Urbig replaced Neuer in that fixture and, according to multiple media reports, will travel to the World Cup as a training goalkeeper. The third slot in the squad is expected to go to Alexander Nübel of VfB Stuttgart.