Bernd Leno opens door to Germany return under Jurgen Klopp and names Premier League favourite

Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno has refused to rule out a return to the German national team under Jurgen Klopp, although the experienced goalkeeper insists he is relaxed about his international future.

Leno has not represented Germany since 2024 after deciding against joining up with the national team when he was only expected to serve as a backup.

Now 34, the Fulham goalkeeper believes Klopp should know plenty about his qualities from their years competing against each other in the Premier League, but he is not expecting any special treatment from Germany's new manager.

Leno's absence from the national team dates back to October 2024, when he turned down a call-up under Julian Nagelsmann.

The former Arsenal goalkeeper felt he had reached a stage in his career where travelling with Germany simply to operate as their third or fourth choice did not make sense.

Instead, Leno remained in London and concentrated on his work with Fulham.

Importantly, however, he never officially retired from international football.

“I never said I’d never go back to the national team or anything like that,” Leno told Sky Germany.

“But back then, I simply didn’t see myself in that role.”

Leno explained that his decision would have been different earlier in his career, but he was unwilling to accept a peripheral position after establishing himself at Premier League level.

Klopp's arrival inevitably creates fresh questions about whether Leno could return to the international setup.

The pair know each other from English football, with Klopp having regularly faced Leno's Arsenal and Fulham sides during his time as Liverpool manager.

Leno admits that connection is interesting but insists he isn't sitting around waiting for a call.

“I’ll never rule it out, but as I said, I’m not sitting here thinking, ‘Jürgen Klopp is here now, he knows me from the Premier League, maybe I’ve got a new chance.’”

“We’ll see what happens.”

For Leno, the situation therefore remains straightforward. He is available if Germany need him, but a return would seemingly have to involve a more meaningful role than the one he rejected in 2024.

The Fulham goalkeeper also gave his verdict on this season's Premier League title race – and his former club Arsenal are his favourites.

Leno believes Mikel Arteta's squad benefits from continuity after keeping the core of the team together while making further additions during the summer.

“You have to say it clearly, of course: Arsenal!” he said. “I think they’re a pretty settled side.”

Liverpool and Manchester City remain the two teams Leno considers Arsenal's biggest challengers.

However, he believes City are entering a transitional period following Pep Guardiola's departure and the loss of important players, including Rodri.

“We’ll have to see how it all plays out. But I think those are likely the three teams that will be contending at the top.”

As things stand, though, Leno gives Arsenal the edge.

“I’d say Arsenal is probably the favourite.”

Leno will continue focusing on Fulham while leaving the decision over a Germany recall to Klopp. His comments make clear that the international door remains open, although the goalkeeper's role would likely be important in determining whether he accepts another call-up.

In the Premier League, Leno expects Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City to form the main title battle, with the Gunners currently his pick to finish on top.