Nagelsmann goes all-in with veteran Neuer, his backup gutted

The biggest story in German football right now is official: Manuel Neuer will be Germany's No. 1 at the World Cup.

It felt inevitable once the Bayern Munich veteran announced his willingness to come out of international retirement, but now the decision has reportedly been made. According to Sky Sport Germany and Bild, Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has chosen the four-time world champion over the man who had seemingly won the job in recent months - Oliver Baumann.

The debate had dominated German media for days. Would Nagelsmann stick with the reliable Hoffenheim goalkeeper who stepped up after Marc-Andre ter Stegen's injury, or would he turn back to one of the greatest goalkeepers of the modern era?

In the end, experience won.

Reports claim Nagelsmann personally informed Baumann of the decision over the phone while the 35-year-old was on holiday with his family in Mallorca. The German coach reportedly explained that, provided Neuer's calf issue is not serious, the Bayern captain will head to the World Cup as Germany's first-choice goalkeeper.

Nagelsmann also asked Baumann whether he would accept a backup role, and, despite major disappointment, the Hoffenheim veteran agreed without hesitation, making it clear he still wanted to support the squad.

Neuer's last appearance for Germany came in the heartbreaking Euro quarterfinal defeat to Spain after extra time. Since then, Baumann had slowly established himself as the leading option, especially after ter Stegen's injury setback and Nagelsmann's experiments with Alexander Nubel.

But then Neuer changed everything.

Retirement can wait – Neuer to stay at Bayern for at least one more year

The 39-year-old informed the federation he was ready to return, and suddenly Die Mannschaft's entire goalkeeping hierarchy flipped upside down just weeks before the World Cup.

That, naturally, raises an uncomfortable question: has Nagelsmann made the right call?

While Neuer's legacy is untouchable, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper endured several difficult moments this season, including costly mistakes in the Champions League semifinal defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.

Goalkeepers or just spectators? Neuer sets negative UCL record, Safonov barely edges him

The bigger concern, however, may not be quality, but chemistry. Germany spent months building a new structure without Neuer, only for the legendary goalkeeper to return after skipping the Nations League campaign and most of the qualification process, and immediately reclaim the No. 1 shirt.

Germany open their World Cup campaign against Curacao on June 14.