Bayern Munich Considers Fabian Bredlow for Backup Goalkeeper Role

Bayern Munich is assessing its options for the backup goalkeeper position, with VfB Stuttgart's Fabian Bredlow emerging as a potential candidate for the role behind Jonas Urbig. Reports published on October 19 and 20, 2026, indicate that the 31-year-old has been offered to the German champions, although the club has not yet made a move.

According to Sky Germany, Bayern is considering several experienced goalkeepers while waiting for Manuel Neuer to clarify his plans beyond the current season. Bredlow fits the club's reported preference for an affordable, reliable replacement who would accept a supporting role rather than demand regular first-team appearances.

Bredlow is in the final year of his contract with Stuttgart, making a free transfer possible next summer if his agreement expires without an extension. However, a reported appearance-related clause could automatically extend his contract, although the available reports do not specify the number of appearances required.

The goalkeeper has played for Stuttgart since 2019 and has previously served as a backup. According to Sky Germany, other clubs have made "several enquiries" about his availability, increasing the competition for his signature.

Bredlow has also received opportunities in Stuttgart's first team this season. He started the club's first four Bundesliga matches while Dennis Seimen was injured and subsequently featured in the Champions League. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß had indicated that the two goalkeepers would share playing time to manage Seimen's workload and reward Bredlow's performances.

Bayern's goalkeeping plans also depend on Neuer, who is 40 and has indicated in recent months that he could retire after the season. The veteran remains the club's first-choice goalkeeper, while Urbig has been given opportunities to support his development and prepare for a potentially larger role.

Urbich is not the only consideration in Bayern's planning. The club is reportedly examining several alternatives, including TSG Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann, FC Augsburg's Finn Dahmen and 1. FC Köln's Marvin Schwäbe. Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno and Hamburger SV's Daniel Heuer Fernandes have also been mentioned as possible candidates.

Additional names linked to Bayern's search include Koen Casteels of Al-Qadsiah, Kevin Trapp of Paris FC, Frederik Rönnow of Union Berlin, Lukas Hradecky of AS Monaco, Nick Pope of Newcastle United, Juan Musso of Atletico Madrid and Rui Silva of Sporting, according to earlier Sky Germany reporting.

Dahmen could be particularly attractive because his contract situation may allow him to leave Augsburg without a transfer fee next summer. However, the 28-year-old has indicated that remaining with his current club is a serious option.

Dahmen described Augsburg as his "first point of contact" when discussing his future. He also emphasized the importance of the decision for his career.

"We both know what we have in each other and value each other greatly. It is an important decision for the rest of my career, and one I have to think about carefully," Dahmen said.

Bayern has previously recruited a successful backup goalkeeper from Stuttgart. Sven Ulreich joined the Munich club in 2015 and provided cover for Neuer before returning in 2021 after spending one season with Hamburger SV. Ulreich, now 38, could also retire next summer, adding another consideration to Bayern's goalkeeping plans.

No agreement involving Bredlow has been announced. Bayern is continuing to evaluate candidates while awaiting clarity on Neuer's future and the availability of potential replacements.