🚨🇩🇪 BREAKING: JÜRGEN KLOPP MAKES MARC-ANDRÉ TER STEGEN THE NEW NUMBER ONE
A major decision appears to have been made at the heart of the German national team. According to reports from German media, new Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp has decided to place his trust in Marc-André ter Stegen as his new first-choice goalkeeper.
The decision represents a significant moment for ter Stegen, whose international career has been overshadowed for years by Manuel Neuer. Following Neuer’s final retirement from international football after the 2026 World Cup, Germany’s goalkeeping position was once again left open.
Now, it appears Klopp has chosen experience.
Ter Stegen, 34, has been away from the national team for more than a year after injury disrupted his career and kept him out of Germany’s World Cup campaign. His last international appearance came against France in June 2025.
Klopp’s reported decision could therefore represent a remarkable comeback.
The goalkeeper has also begun a new chapter at Ajax Amsterdam after leaving Barcelona on loan. His move to the Netherlands gives him an opportunity to regain consistency and confidence while competing regularly at a major European club.
Reports indicate that Klopp personally contacted ter Stegen after taking charge of the national team, an apparent sign of how highly the new coach regards him. SPORT BILD reports that Klopp communicated his confidence directly to the goalkeeper.
The decision also changes the situation for Oliver Baumann. The Hoffenheim goalkeeper had been regarded as a leading candidate to succeed Neuer and had established himself in the Germany setup before Neuer returned for the World Cup. However, reports indicate that Baumann will not be included in Klopp’s first squad.
Behind ter Stegen, competition remains intense. Jonas Urbig and Alexander Nübel are among the goalkeepers being considered for supporting roles, while Finn Dahmen is also reportedly in contention for selection.
For Klopp, the decision is about more than simply replacing Neuer. It is an early statement about the direction he wants to take Germany as he begins rebuilding the national team.
Ter Stegen now has an opportunity to turn a difficult period into a new beginning.
His potential comeback could come on September 24, when Germany face the Netherlands in Amsterdam in the Nations League—the home ground of his new club, Ajax.
The official squad announcement is still to come, but the reports have already created enormous anticipation.
After years of waiting behind Neuer, ter Stegen could finally be preparing to take the gloves as Germany’s undisputed number one.
