Bayern Munich, the defending Bundesliga champion, looks set to remain the team to beat as the new season kicks off Friday against RB Leipzig. Vincent Kompany and Harry Kane’s sides are preparing to challenge for the top spot, but the race for the nearest contender remains wide open.
Several potential challengers — including Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Stuttgart, Leipzig, and Eintracht Frankfurt — have lost key players over the summer, and few have made headline-grabbing signings.
Leverkusen, the only team to interrupt Bayern’s 13-year dominance, has undergone a major overhaul following its 2024 title-winning campaign. Star players Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, Jeremie Frimpong, captain Jonathan Tah, and coach Xabi Alonso have all departed. Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been brought in to lead the revamped squad.
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Bayern’s summer arrivals, particularly Luis Díaz from Liverpool, add fresh attacking options. Díaz scored on his debut as Bayern lifted the German Supercup last weekend. With the departures of Leroy Sané, Thomas Müller, Kingsley Coman, and Mathys Tel, Kane’s supporting cast has been reshaped, placing added responsibility on Díaz and Serge Gnabry — the last forward from Bayern’s 2020 Champions League-winning team. Michael Olise is expected to take on a central role in the absence of Jamal Musiala, sidelined until 2026 due to injury. Defender Jonathan Tah also strengthens Bayern’s backline, while young midfielders Tom Bischof and Lennart Karl impressed in preseason.
At Dortmund, 19-year-old Jobe Bellingham has made an immediate impact, following in the footsteps of his older brother Jude. Other challengers have had to adjust after losing key players, including Frankfurt, Leverkusen, and Leipzig. Leipzig has invested over €110 million ($128 million) in seven young signings but lost Benjamin Šeško to Manchester United. More transfers are expected before the Sept. 1 deadline.
Promoted sides Hamburger SV and Cologne face the primary challenge of remaining in the top division. Cologne has appointed Lukas Kwasniok to ensure survival, while Hamburg, returning after seven seasons, begins its campaign at Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday.
Source: Agency