The German champions are already planning for life beyond their long-serving captain, whose contract expires at the end of the season. Neuer, 40, is widely expected to end his playing career next summer, although no official retirement announcement has been made.
According to Sky Sport Germany, Bayern have added Karius to their list of potential experienced goalkeepers who could provide competition and cover for Jonas Urbig.
The club are increasingly looking towards Urbig as Neuer’s long-term successor. The 23-year-old has been identified internally as the likely future number one, but Bayern want an experienced goalkeeper alongside him rather than leaving the responsibility entirely with the young German.
Karius, 33, is among the options being assessed. The former Liverpool goalkeeper joined Schalke 04 in January 2025 and helped the club secure promotion back to the Bundesliga last season.
He has since made nine appearances in the Bundesliga this campaign, keeping three clean sheets. His performances have brought him back into consideration at the highest level of German football, with Bayern now monitoring his situation.
Karius would not necessarily arrive to replace Neuer directly. The reported plan is to recruit an experienced goalkeeper who can support Urbig and provide competition, while allowing the younger player to develop into the first-choice role.
Oliver Baumann is currently understood to be the leading candidate. The Hoffenheim goalkeeper has impressed with his consistency and is reportedly the preferred option among Bayern’s decision-makers. Bernd Leno, who plays for Fulham, is also being considered, with Karius forming part of the wider group of alternatives.
The goalkeeping search comes amid growing expectations that Neuer will bring his remarkable Bayern career to an end after 16 years at the club. The 2014 World Cup winner has been a central figure throughout that period, but his recent injury problems have added to the uncertainty surrounding his future.
Neuer suffered another injury during Bayern’s recent Bundesliga match against Mainz and is not expected to play again before the end of the calendar year. However, Bayern are not anticipating an immediate retirement, with the goalkeeper expected to recover and potentially return during the second half of the season.
The club therefore have time to assess their options before making a decision. Urbig remains the intended long-term successor, while the recruitment of an experienced backup is becoming an increasingly important part of Bayern’s planning.