Speaking after the victory at the Santiago Bernabéu, the Bayern sporting director told reporters: "He doesn't need to provide any more big arguments. He just needs to stay healthy, stay brave, and then we'll sit down."
The comments signal a decisive shift in tone from Bayern's leadership, who had previously said the decision rested entirely with Neuer and that the club would follow his lead.
Neuer's current deal expires at the end of June, and the goalkeeper had originally planned to decide by the end of March whether to retire or play on. A muscle injury suffered in the second half of the season delayed that timeline. "We have all the time in the world — we're relaxed about it," Neuer said after the game in Madrid.
Tuesday's performance gave everyone connected with Bayern good reason to be. Neuer made nine saves in total, denying Kylian Mbappé twice and Vinícius Júnior in a one-on-one situation as Madrid pressed for an equaliser after Mbappé's 74th-minute goal gave the hosts hope. It was the kind of display that defines careers — composed, commanding and decisive at the highest level.
The contract decision now looks straightforward. Eberl had said earlier this week he could "imagine a new deal" if Neuer felt ready, with April and May performances always going to be the deciding factor. Neuer has 124 international caps for Germany, from which he retired after Euro 2024, and has been Bayern's captain since 2017. With the Bundesliga title already secured and a Champions League semi-final within reach, he has timed his form to perfection. Retirement, it seems, can wait.