Bayern consider Newcastle keeper Pope as Neuer succession takes shape

The Bundesliga giants are already planning for the next stage of their goalkeeping department, with Neuer’s contract due to expire next summer and the 40-year-old expected to bring his Bayern Munich career to an end.

Urbig is regarded as the long-term successor to Neuer and Bayern’s preference is to find an experienced goalkeeper who can provide competition and cover rather than challenge the youngster for the starting role.

According to Sky Germany, Pope is among the candidates being considered for that position.

The Newcastle United goalkeeper, 34, is also approaching the end of his contract and could become available as a free agent next summer. That would make him an attractive option for Bayern if they decide experience is the priority behind Urbig.

Pope is not the only goalkeeper on the club’s list. Sky Germany reports that Bayern are also monitoring Oliver Baumann, Marvin Schwäbe and Bernd Leno, while Koen Casteels, Kevin Trapp, Frederik Rønnow, Lukáš Hrádecký, Juan Musso and Rui Silva have also been mentioned as possible options.

The situation could become clearer as Bayern continue discussions over their goalkeeping succession. Neuer remains an important figure at the club, but Bayern are preparing for the possibility that his long association with the team will end next summer.

Urbig is expected to inherit the number one position when that happens, leaving Bayern to decide which experienced goalkeeper is best suited to support him.

Pope would bring extensive Premier League and international experience to Munich if the move materialises. His contract situation at Newcastle could also make him a relatively straightforward option should Bayern choose to pursue him.

For now, the goalkeeper is one of several names being assessed as Bayern plan beyond the Neuer era.

Bayern’s interest in several established goalkeepers suggests the club does not want Urbig to be left without an experienced option behind him. The German champions are therefore looking beyond a conventional succession plan in which the new number one would immediately have to carry the entire workload.

Neuer’s eventual departure will mark the end of one of the most successful goalkeeping eras in Bayern’s history. The club’s priority now is to make sure the transition to Urbig is supported by sufficient experience.

Pope’s potential availability without a transfer fee could strengthen his case, although Bayern have yet to decide which candidate best fits their plans.

The club’s recruitment team will continue to assess the market before making a final decision.