The 34-year-old is playing regularly during his loan spell at Ajax from Barcelona, giving him a strong platform ahead of the international selection. His performances in Amsterdam have not been flawless, however, and Klopp’s decision will carry more weight than a simple reward for club minutes.
Ter Stegen has previously been viewed as Germany’s long-term answer in goal, but injuries and competition have repeatedly disrupted that path. Matthäus believes the current opening is his to seize.
“I assume that he will definitely be there,” Matthäus said. “If he continues to produce his performances in Amsterdam, he is a candidate for the number one spot in the Germany goal.”
Baumann’s potential omission would be a significant change in Germany’s recent goalkeeping hierarchy. The Hoffenheim goalkeeper travelled to the World Cup as Manuel Neuer’s deputy after impressing during qualifying, when Ter Stegen was unavailable through injury.
That role appeared to place Baumann firmly in the national-team picture. Yet Neuer’s return under Julian Nagelsmann pushed him back to the bench, and Klopp now appears ready to make his own assessment.
Baumann has spoken with Klopp but refused to reveal the conversation’s details after Hoffenheim’s 2-1 win over Stuttgart.
“He will say everything else on Thursday,” Baumann said.
Reports suggest Jonas Urbig, Alexander Nübel and Finn Dahmen are among the candidates for deputy positions. Their inclusion would underline Klopp’s desire to establish a fresh structure rather than simply preserve the previous order.
Thursday’s announcement should therefore reveal more than Ter Stegen’s status. It will offer the first indication of how Klopp balances experience, current form and succession planning in Germany’s most scrutinised position.