Bayern Munich Chief Confirms Manuel Neuer Will Captain the Club from 2017/18 and Beyond

During Bayern Munich's tour of Asia, CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has confirmed that Manuel Neuer will be the club's newest skipper following the retirement of Philipp Lahm.

The 31-year-old stopper is set to take the reigns for the upcoming season despite Thomas Muller captaining the squad in the early stages of their pre-season preparations in Asia.

Following the retirements of Xabi Alonso and long-serving captain Philipp Lahm, a wealth of experience and leadership has left a hole which needs to be filled, and Rummenigge is confident the German international captain is the perfect man for the job.

Rummenigge said, via tz demand: "The number one is the number one - Manuel Neuer. This is a standing man, who will now also take over the band of Philipp Lahm.

"He has developed very well with the national team - not just on, but also off the field."

Neuer has made over 250 appearances for Bayern since he joined the club from Schalke in 2011, and has since cemented himself as the world's leading keeper.

The German club's chief was also looking to the future and who could possibly step-up and grow into the leadership role next.

"If there are free places, there are certainly players who are already scraping their hooves and wanting to take these places. And this is a good thing, because I speak from my own experience."

Neuer may be the one with the armband, but David Alaba is understood to be a key candidate who could grow into an important leadership role within the squad, alongside Muller, Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng who are also set for a lot of responsibility within the club this season.

A surprise candidate was also offered by Rummenigge following his impressive performances for Germany at the Confederations Cup during the summer, Joshua Kimmich.

He added: "He marched well in advance. I like the young guys. They want to establish their original place. We have good characters, not only football, but also personality. There is a lot to be expected in the coming years."