MUNICH — Manuel Neuer will spend at least one more season between the posts at Bayern Munich after signing a one-year contract extension, the club announced Friday.
The 40-year-old captain joined Bayern 15 years ago and remains the first-choice goalkeeper despite fitness interruptions this season. He has made 597 appearances for the club and is now set to become just the fifth player in Bayern history to reach 600 games.
A mentor's final chapter
Backup Jonas Urbig has been groomed as Neuer's long-term successor and has seen increased playing time this campaign. Veteran understudy Sven Ulreich also committed to another year. Both will continue supporting Urbig's development, according to board member Max Eberl.
It is somewhat fitting that the man who redefined modern goalkeeping now helps tutor the player meant to replace him.
Silver lining ahead
Neuer claimed his 13th German league title with Bayern a month ago. The club can secure a domestic double if it defeats Stuttgart in the German Cup final on May 23.
Bayern closes its Bundesliga season Saturday at home against Cologne.