Bayern Munich 2025/26 season preview: Transfers, pre-season, predicted lineup & predictions | OneFootball

After reclaiming the Bundesliga crown from Bayer Leverkusen in Vincent Kompany’s debut season, Bayern Munich are now looking to take the next step in their evolution under the Belgian coach.

Their Bundesliga campaign was largely impressive, but expectations will be higher in Europe, where Bayern suffered some uncharacteristic away defeats in the Champions League before being knocked out by Inter in the quarter-finals, missing out on the chance to play the final at home.

Their quest for back-to-back league titles begins with a high-stakes opener against RB Leipzig on Friday, August 22.

Before that, fans will get an early glimpse of what's to come when Bayern take on VfB Stuttgart in the DFL-Supercup on Saturday, August 16.

Pre-season performances

Before heading off on summer break, Bayern Munich travelled to the United States to compete in the Club World Cup.

Vincent Kompany’s side largely picked up where they left off last season and were considered strong contenders to win the tournament.

However, their run ended in the quarter-finals with a 2-0 defeat to Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in a tight match that could have gone either way.

Adding to the disappointment, Bayern lost star midfielder Jamal Musiala to a serious fibula fracture, which is expected to sideline him for several months.

In their first match since returning from vacation, Bayern beat Lyon 2-1 in a friendly that saw Michael Olise – their breakout star from last season – net both goals. The first came from the penalty spot after new signing Luis Díaz was brought down in the box on his debut.

Check out both of Michael Olise’s goals against Olympique Lyon here:

Bayern have two more pre-season games to play before facing VfB Stuttgart in the DFL-Supercup: they’ll meet Tottenham on Thursday and Grasshoppers on Tuesday.

Transfers

It’s safe to say Bayern Munich have had a busy and eventful summer in the transfer market.

The German champions kicked things off with the signings of experienced centre-back Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen and highly-rated midfielder Tom Bischof from Hoffenheim.

Their primary target, however, was Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz - but despite their best efforts, the midfielder opted for a move to Liverpool.

After that setback, Bayern inquired about both Athletic Club’s Nico Williams and PSG’s Bradley Barcola. However, both players ultimately chose to stay put, forcing Bayern to explore alternative options.

With pressure mounting on sporting director Christoph Freund and board member for sport Max Eberl, Bayern finally made a breakthrough by landing Colombian attacker Luis Díaz from Liverpool in a deal worth a reported €75 million, including bonuses.

Another key target remains Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade, who could help fill the void left by Musiala's long-term injury. While Bayern have agreed personal terms with the 23-year-old, negotiations with Stuttgart have proven difficult, and it's up in the air if the deal will ultimately happen.

In the meantime, young midfielder Paul Wanner has returned from his loan at Heidenheim and could now stay to help fill the creative void. Another loan move was initially planned, but that may be reconsidered unless Bayern successfully land Woltemade.

On the departure front, Bayern have said goodbye to club legend Thomas Müller, who is expected to jmove to the MLS, and Leroy Sané, who has joined Galatasaray on a free transfer.

Eric Dier has moved to Monaco on a free transfer, while youngsters Frans Krätzig (RB Salzburg), Gabriel Vidović (Dinamo Zagreb), and Adam Aznou (Everton) have also left on permanent deals.

João Palhinha has joined Tottenham on loan, linking up with Mathys Tel, whose stay in London has been made permanent in a deal worth a reported €35 million.

Meanwhile, Bayern have arranged loan spells for Bryan Zaragoza (Celta Vigo), Daniel Peretz (HSV), Arijon Ibrahimović (Heidenheim), Maurice Krattenmacher (Hertha BSC), Lovro Zvonarek (Grasshoppers) and Tarek Buchmann (Nürnberg).

Predicted starting line-up

4-2-3-1: Neuer - Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic - Kimmich, Goretzka (Bischof) - Olise, Gnabry (Coman), Diaz - Kane.

Heading into the new season, most positions in Bayern’s starting lineup seem settled.

Hiroki Ito (metatarsal fracture), Alphonso Davies (cruciate ligament tear) and Jamal Musiala (broken fibula) are all out of contention due to long-term injuries.

Additionally, Aleksandar Pavlovic will miss the start of the campaign due to a fractured eye socket.

Given these absences, Bayern’s back four appears set, with Josip Stanišić expected to start at left-back ahead of Raphaël Guerreiro due to his greater defensive solidity

In central midfield, Leon Goretzka and new signing Tom Bischof are competing for the spot alongside Joshua Kimmich with Pavlovic sidelined. With Kompany often valuing experience, Goretzka appears to the likely starter for now.

The biggest question mark is who will fill the attacking midfield role usually occupied by Jamal Musiala. Serge Gnabry looks like the frontrunner, but another option could be shifting Michael Olise into a central role and deploying Kingsley Coman out wide.

Predictions for the upcoming season

Anything less than another Bundesliga title would be a major disappointment for Bayern Munich, who enter the new season as clear favorites.

Vincent Kompany showed plenty of promise in his debut campaign, and Bayern boast both the best players and the deepest squad.

Borussia Dortmund stand out as the primary challengers after reinforcing their squad following a strong finish under Niko Kovac.

Bayer Leverkusen, on the other hand, are heading into a rebuilding phase. With Xabi Alonso replaced by Erik ten Hag and key departures including Florian Wirtz and Granit Xhaka, it’s difficult to see them mounting a serious title challenge.