Which youngsters might feature for Jürgen Klopp's Germany?
Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp will name his squad for the upcoming international break on Thursday, with several potential debutants already emerging.
“We have an incredible amount of talent,” Klopp said at his official unveiling as Germany's new head coach in July. “We won the U17 World Cup and European Championship. Those players should be 20 now. Now they’ve got their driving licences, we can use them.”
So who might that be? We take a closer look...
Jonas Urbig
A changing of the guard is clearly under way in the Germany goal. Manuel Neuer has confirmed his (re)retirement from international football, while 36-year-old Oliver Baumann may not be included in Klopp’s squad this time.
That could open the door for Neuer’s Bayern Munich deputy Jonas Urbig. The 23-year-old recently revealed he had held a “good conversation” with Klopp. While it is no guarantee of becoming Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper, it could be a step in that direction.
Urbig already has almost 100 competitive senior appearances – considerable experience for a goalkeeper of his age – and has also worked alongside Neuer. Furthermore, he has represented Germany at every youth level from U17 upwards and has worn the national colours for several years. It is little surprise he is being discussed as Neuer’s possible successor.
Noah Atubolu and Mio Backhaus are two more young goalkeepers pushing for recognition.
Felix Keidel
Felix Keidel also appears to be on the fast track. The natural right-back, who has impressed in defensive midfield for Elversberg, has a strong chance of being called up, even though he was playing for Ingolstadt in the third tier less than 18 months ago.
The 23-year-old joined Elversberg in summer 2025 and quickly established himself as a regular. He has started every Bundesliga game this season.
His versatility is a major advantage. Keidel can play across the defence, has previously operated at left-back and is now thriving in defensive midfield. He is regarded as a committed, uncompromising tackler who is also willing to get forward. He has nine goal involvements in 31 appearances for Elversberg. Germany’s problems at right-back could now work in his favour.
Philipp Treu
Philipp Treu may not be quite as young, but a first senior Germany call-up would still represent another major step in the Freiburg defender’s career. The 25-year-old is yet to play for the national team.
That could soon change, particularly with Klopp seemingly intending on fielding Joshua Kimmich as a midfielder again. Germany are searching for a right-back and Treu has played himself into contention with a series of strong performances.
Born in Heidelberg, Treu spent time in the youth systems of Sandhausen, Kaiserslautern and RB Leipzig before moving to Freiburg in 2017. Apart from a one-year loan spell at St. Pauli, he has developed into a key player for the club and is firmly established in his position.
Saïd El Mala
After missing out on a place in Germany's FIFA World Cup 2026 squad, El Mala could soon finally get his chance to shine at international level.
The 20-year-old enjoyed an outstanding first Bundesliga season with Cologne, registering 18 goal involvements after stepping up from third-tier Viktoria Köln. He has already proved he belongs at Bundesliga level and will now hope to take the next step.
The left winger also impressed at the U19 European Championship last year, producing eight goal involvements in four matches.
Younes Ebnoutalib
Younes Ebnoutalib already has one international call-up to his name – albeit at youth level. He was once selected for Morocco’s U15s but did not play.
The Moroccan federation is reportedly interested in the centre-forward again, although his first international appearance could instead come in a Germany shirt. The Eintracht Frankfurt striker has a strong chance of being selected.
The Frankfurt-born 23-year-old broke through at Elversberg last season, scoring nine goals in 25 appearances. He has continued that form with the Eagles, producing four goals and two assists in his first four competitive appearances. He could now be given the chance to bring that attacking threat to the national team.
Klopp spoilt for choice
Klopp therefore has plenty of options ahead of his first squad announcement. And one thing is clear: he looks set to build another team of youngsters. Whether it ends with another title remains to be seen.
