Klopp names Marc-Andre ter Stegen as Germany’s new first-choice goalkeeper

Jurgen Klopp has made Marc-Andre ter Stegen his first-choice goalkeeper for Germany, ending the long-running debate over the position in his first major decision as the national team’s new manager.

The decision, reported by German newspaper Bild, will see the 34-year-old Barcelona goalkeeper take over as the new number one while on loan at Ajax. Klopp is understood to have spoken to ter Stegen personally, informing him of his complete confidence and confirming that he will be included in the first squad selected by the former Liverpool manager.

Klopp is due to announce that squad on Thursday.

The decision marks the end of a difficult period for ter Stegen at international level. He missed the most recent World Cup because of injury and has spent more than a year away from the Germany team.

His return is set to carry particular significance. Ter Stegen is expected to make his comeback in Germany’s Nations League meeting with the Netherlands on 24 September in Amsterdam, the city where he currently lives while playing for Ajax.

Baumann omitted from squad

The biggest casualty of Klopp’s decision appears to be Oliver Baumann. Several German media outlets report that the Hoffenheim goalkeeper will be left out of Klopp’s squad altogether.

Baumann spent several years as Manuel Neuer’s reserve with four-time world champions Germany. His omission would therefore bring an end to a significant chapter in the national team’s goalkeeping set-up.

The places behind ter Stegen remain open, with the competition for the second- and third-choice positions yet to be settled.

Bayern Munich’s young goalkeeper Jonas Urbig and Besiktas goalkeeper Alexander Nubel are currently regarded as the leading contenders for those places.

Finn Dahmen of Augsburg also has a strong chance of being included, while Loris Karius is expected to have only a secondary role despite his recent form for Schalke.

Karius’ previous relationship with Klopp, developed during their time together at Liverpool, is also noted in the reports, but he is not expected to challenge for the starting position under the new Germany manager.