1. FC Heidenheim 2025/26 season preview: Transfers, pre-season, predicted lineup & predictions | OneFootball

A glance at last season

Heidenheim head into the new campaign on the back of a challenging 2024/25 season, which saw them finish 16th in the Bundesliga forcing them into a relegation play-off to preserve their top-flight status. There they faced SV Elversberg, and secured survival thanks to a dramatic last-gasp winner from Leo Scienza in the second leg, much to the relief of everyone connected with the club.

Speaking with a mixture of relief and pride after the victory, club captain Patrick Mainka said: “…We can be incredibly proud; I don't think it's a given for FCH to play in the Bundesliga for a third year. But it was hard work. Now we can put a checkmark on the season. It's been an incredible journey with Europe, with ups and downs, but we're ending it on a high, that's what counts, and that's why next year means the Bundesliga for us.”

Following an outstanding 2023/24 campaign that saw Heidenheim shock many by finishing 8th, the club had the added challenge of competing in Europe for the first time. Their Europa Conference League debut was a relative success - reaching the knockout stage - but it ultimately took a toll on the squad. The congested fixture list proved too much for Frank Schmidt’s thin squad to handle, and that European distraction was a key factor in their domestic decline.

Pre-season preparations

Heidenheim began their summer preparations with a training camp in Natz-Schabs, South Tyrol, where they underwent an intensive week of training and recorded a 2-0 friendly win over Austrian side Wacker Innsbruck. After returning to Germany, they claimed a 3-2 away win over 3. Liga outfit SV Ingolstadt.

At the start of training camp, it was confirmed that Patrick Mainka will once again captain the club - his fifth season in the role. Speaking about the honour, Mainka said:

“Even for the fifth year in a row, it’s by no means a given, and at the same time, it’s a special honour for me to be captain of 1. FC Heidenheim. After the challenging and instructive past season, I’m full of energy and excited to fight for our Bundesliga survival together with the team, the coaching and support staff, and our entire FCH family. We will give our all to achieve this ambitious goal!”

On the 30th July, Frank Schmidt’s side travelled to Tyrol, Austria for a second training camp. Unfortunately, a game that promised to be a good test against Strasbourg had to be cancelled due to heavy rain. Heidenheim will now wrap up pre-season with a home friendly against Serie A side Parma, providing one last challenge before competitive action begins.

Transfers

It has been a quiet summer in the transfer market for Heidenheim, with just two signings coming through the door - both on loan. Attacking midfielder Arijon Ibrahimović arrived from Bayern Munich, while goalkeeper Diant Ramaj rejoined the club on loan from Borussia Dortmund following an injury to Frank Feller.

This lack of activity has left many fans concerned, especially given that the squad remains largely unchanged - and arguably weaker - following the return of key loanees Paul Wanner and Franz Krätzig to Bayern. Supporters will be hoping the club’s hierarchy has a few late moves planned to bolster the squad before the transfer window closes.

One player the club will be desperate to retain is Leo Scienza, the hero of the relegation play-off. Both Borussia Mönchengladbach and FC Köln are reportedly interested, though Heidenheim have placed a €6 million price tag on the Brazilian in hopes of deterring potential suitors.

Predicted starting line-up

3-4-2-1: Ramaj (GK) - Siersleben, Mainka, Gimber - Traoré, Dorsch, Schöppner, Föhrenbach - Scienza, Honsak - Kaufmann

Frank Schmidt is likely to experiment again this season, both in formation and personnel, as he did last year. Alternatives like a 4-2-3-1 or 3-5-2 could be utilised depending on the opponent and player availability.

The arrival of goalkeeper Diant Ramaj on loan has sparked a mini-controversy at the club. Long-serving shot-stopper Kevin Müller is reportedly unhappy about being demoted to number two, with the 34-year-old said to be considering a move to the MLS. However, no transfer appears imminent, while Ramaj looks set to establish himself as the club’s new first-choice goalkeeper.

The left side remains a major question mark following Franz Krätzig’s return to Bayern and subsequent transfer to RB Salzburg. Candidates to fill the role include Jonas Föhrenbach, Marnon Busch, Adrian Beck, and even Arijon Ibrahimović.

Up front, Heidenheim’s struggles are well documented. With last season’s top scorer Marvin Pieringer recovering from an ankle injury, the striker position is wide open. Budu Zivzivadze and Mikkel Kaufmann appear to be the main contenders, while academy product Yannik Wagner, fresh off a new contract running to 2029, could be given more chances if goal scoring problems persist.

Predictions for the upcoming season

Heidenheim enter the new campaign with one clear objective: survival. As one of the smallest teams in the Bundesliga and operating on the league’s lowest budget, they know they’ll once again be fighting against the odds - though fight is something the club has in abundance.

While the supporters will hope for a repeat of the club’s 2023/24 heroics, the reality suggests another difficult season may lie ahead. The lack of squad strengthening - especially in contrast to newly promoted and ambitious sides like FC Köln and Hamburger SV - raises concerns that Heidenheim may already be falling behind the rest of the pack.

Nevertheless, staying up by any means would be another major achievement for Frank Schmidt and his squad. While a relegation fight seems likely, Heidenheim have proven before that they are more than capable of defying expectations.

Heidenheim kick off their competitive season with a trip to Regionalliga side Bahlinger SC in the DFB Pokal, followed by the visit of Wolfsburg to the Voith-Arena in the first Bundesliga game a week later. Early results could be key to building momentum and steering them away from the wrong end of the table.