Manuel Neuer has ended speculation about his future after agreeing to extend his contract at Bayern Munich until 2023.
The goalkeeper was linked with a move to Chelsea as replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga, although Sky in Germany reported in March the 34-year-old was keen to stay at Bayern.
Negotiations proved difficult amid the Bundesliga’s suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic, but Neuer has now signed the two-year extension after the German top tier resumed last weekend.
Neuer will soon have competition in the form of Alexander Nubel after Bayern agreed a deal for the Schalke goalkeeper to join them ahead of the 2020-21 season.
And though the Bundesliga leaders appear to be building for the future as Neuer nears the final phase of his career, former Bayern goalkeeper Oliver Kahn – an executive board member at the club – says the contract extension sends out a strong message.
Neuer has won seven Bundesliga titles in a row with Bayern, winning the DFB-Pokal Cup on four occasions and the Champions League in 2013.
He played every minute of Germany’s World Cup-winning campaign in 2014, and has been named in the FIFPro World XI on four occasions.