Manuel Neuer open to World Cup comeback for Germany, reveals agent

Manuel Neuer’s agent has revealed that the Bayern goalkeeper is willing to return to the German national team for next year’s World Cup if called upon.

With Marc-André ter Stegen sidelined by a long-term injury and having lost his starting spot at FC Barcelona, speculation is mounting that Manuel Neuer could come out of international retirement to represent Germany at next year’s World Cup.

The 39-year-old Bayern Munich goalkeeper himself is open to the idea, according to his agent, Thomas Kroth.

“If I give a clear answer now, it would open a can of worms,” Kroth told Frankfurter Rundschau. 

“He’s in top shape and performing at his best. If [Germany coach] Julian Nagelsmann sees a problem in goal, Manuel is healthy, and if he’s asked, ‘Manu’ certainly won’t say no.”

Nagelsmann recently emphasized that his plan is for ter Stegen to return once he’s back from injury, but noted that the goalkeeper needs regular club playing time.

“I have a plan: Ter Stegen will play when he’s healthy. Of course he has to play, he knows that,” Nagelsmann said, declining to comment on the possibility of a comeback for Neuer.

In Germany’s last two World Cup qualifiers, Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann started in goal.