Kahn warns of consequences of Germany's goalkeeper debate

Former Germany and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has warned of the consequences of a lack of clarity regarding the question of who's going to be the Germany goalkeeper at the 2026 World Cup.

"If (coach) Julian Nagelsmann is suddenly thinking about making a quick change in goal, then that's obviously a bit of a gamble," Kahn told the Doppelpass TV show on Sunday.

Over the weekend, speculation whether Manuel Neuer will make a comeback to the national team has intensified.

The Bayern captain retired after Euro 2024 but according to media reports he will be Germany's number one at the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico in June and July.

Kahn said that such decision would also have an impact on the team as players would start asking themselves: "How credible, how reliable, are statements now?"

It would have been better to "clear this up much, much earlier," he added.

Neuer's comeback would be a huge blow for Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann.

Girona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen was expected to be Neuer's successor after Euro 2024, but several long-term injuries stopped his progress.

Nagelsmann eventually handed the position to Baumann, who has great hopes of being Germany's starting goalkeeper at the World Cup.

According to reports, the only thing that would stop Neuer from making his return is a potential injury suffered in the final Bundesliga match against Cologne on Saturday.

"If Nagelsmann had planned to take Neuer along and now can't because he's injured, what are you going to tell Oliver Baumann? You're supposed to build him up for the World Cup so he can stand in the German goal with confidence," Kahn stressed.