Jonas Urbig is showing increasing parallels to Manuel Neuer at Bayern Munich. The 23-year-old goalkeeper delivered a response after the 4:1 cup win over Osnabrück on Wednesday that was nearly word-for-word identical to a previous statement from the captain.
How similar are Urbig and Neuer?
Jonas Urbig displays significant similarities to Manuel Neuer both in playing style and personality. Both goalkeepers were part of the German national team at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Urbig served as a training goalkeeper there and could learn a lot from the 40-year-old record international during shared training sessions and leisure time. The young keeper is earmarked as the designated successor for the period after Neuer's career ends in summer 2027. Bayern are closely monitoring the development of Urbig, who was signed from 1. FC Köln in January 2025 for a transfer fee around seven million euros plus bonuses.
What did Urbig say about the Osnabrück goal?
In the DFB-Pokal match against Osnabrück, Jonas Urbig started between the posts. After just five minutes he conceded a goal from approximately 30 meters out. A reporter asked him after the game whether this strike could have been prevented. Urbig responded according to a report by Bild Sport: "The goalscorer shoots, the ball slips a bit and then it goes into the corner." This statement is almost identical to a reaction Manuel Neuer gave in 2025 to a similar goal from Paphos.
When will Urbig take over as number one?
Bayern Munich's planning envisions Jonas Urbig taking over the starting goalkeeper position after Manuel Neuer's career ends. Neuer is expected to finish his active career in summer 2027. Until then, the young Urbig benefits from daily work with one of the best goalkeepers in history. Their shared time at the World Cup has accelerated this development. Urbig's next opportunity to gain match practice could come in the Bundesliga fixture on Saturday, which you can find on our fixtures page.
What is the current goalkeeper situation?
Bayern Munich has a clear hierarchy in the goalkeeper position. Manuel Neuer remains the undisputed number one, while Jonas Urbig is being groomed as his direct successor. The transfer fee of around seven million euros highlights Munich's confidence in the talent. All current squad information is available on our squad page. Urbig's development will be closely monitored in the coming months, especially in cup matches and potential Bundesliga appearances.
The next official competition for Bayern is the Bundesliga match on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
