The Bavarian monster is ready to devour the Bundesliga again

Bayern Munich begin the new season with a stronger squad and dreams of reclaiming Europe’s throne

Bayern Munich enter the 2026-27 season as German champions, determined to maintain their supremacy in the Bundesliga. Vincent Kompany’s side remain the dominant force in German football after a summer in which the club invested heavily in new signings while opening the first-team door to more young players.

Ismaël Saibari and Nathaniel Brown were Bayern’s most expensive summer arrivals, but the changes went far beyond those two signings. Several experienced players left Munich, including Leon Goretzka, Raphaël Guerreiro, João Palhinha and Alexander Nübel.

The main concern ahead of the Bundesliga opener centres on Jamal Musiala’s health. The Germany international suffered medical problems during pre-season and was unavailable for the German Super Cup. In his absence, Luis Díaz, Harry Kane and Michael Olise showed that Bayern still possess formidable attacking power.

An unexpected start to pre-season

Bayern’s opening friendly did not produce the result Vincent Kompany had expected. The German champions suffered a 2-1 defeat against Wehen Wiesbaden, although the Belgian coach fielded a team composed mainly of youngsters. Tom Bischof was the only player in the line-up who had featured regularly for the first team during the previous campaign.

The 21-year-old midfielder converted the penalty that gave Bayern their first goal of the summer. His performance marked the beginning of an impressive pre-season that significantly improved his chances of earning a more prominent role.

Leon Goretzka’s departure created additional space in central midfield, allowing Bischof to emerge as one of the leading alternatives to Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlović. Kompany could use him regularly in the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, as well as during periods when a demanding schedule requires changes to the starting line-up.

Bayern quickly rediscovered their attacking appetite

Following the defeat against Wehen Wiesbaden, Bayern returned to the emphatic victories their supporters have come to expect. The club’s traditional summer meeting with Rottach-Egern ended in a resounding 15-0 triumph in a fixture designed primarily to strengthen the relationship between the team and its fans.

The next stage of Bayern’s preparations took place in South Korea, where the club participated in a promotional tour. The Bavarians faced Jeju United and Aston Villa, winning both matches 2-1.

The victory over Aston Villa was particularly encouraging. Bayern faced strong opposition and showed signs of returning to the level they had reached during the final months of the previous season.

Kompany’s team continued its encouraging run in the Telekom Cup, defeating RB Leipzig 3-1. Bayern’s final pre-season test produced another entertaining attacking display and a 4-2 victory over Heidenheim.

Those performances confirmed the champions’ offensive potential, although the final two matches were overshadowed by the medical episodes involving Jamal Musiala.

Jamal Musiala’s medical problems caused concern

Jamal Musiala collapsed during both the match against RB Leipzig and the encounter with Heidenheim. Initial concerns centred on the extremely high summer temperatures, but subsequent medical examinations revealed that the player had suffered absence seizures, a type of epileptic seizure.

The situation prompted Bayern to proceed cautiously. Musiala was left out of the squad for the first competitive match of the campaign, the German Super Cup against Borussia Dortmund.

Bayern have no intention of rushing back one of their most valuable players. The Germany international will be gradually reintegrated only after the medical staff determine that he can play safely.

His absence is a significant loss, but the champions have several alternatives for the position behind the striker. Ismaël Saibari, Serge Gnabry and even Nathaniel Brown can operate in that area of the pitch.

The first trophy arrived against Borussia Dortmund

Despite Musiala’s absence, Bayern made a winning start to their competitive campaign. Vincent Kompany’s side lifted the German Super Cup after defeating Borussia Dortmund 2-1.

Luis Díaz, Harry Kane and Michael Olise formed an attacking trio that constantly troubled Dortmund’s defence. All three appeared ready to continue their impressive form from the previous campaign and shoulder much of Bayern’s attacking burden.

With the season’s first trophy secured, Bayern can now turn their attention to the Bundesliga. Their opening opponents will be VfB Stuttgart, the same team the Bavarians defeated in the 2025-26 DFB-Pokal final.

The rematch gives the defending champions an opportunity to begin the new league campaign with a victory over one of Germany’s strongest sides.

Ismaël Saibari offers Bayern more attacking options

Bayern invested approximately €50 million to sign Ismaël Saibari from PSV Eindhoven. The Morocco international stands out for his versatility, giving Vincent Kompany greater freedom to adjust his attacking system during matches.

Saibari can play as an attacking midfielder, on either wing or in a more advanced role closer to the opposition’s goal. In certain matches, the Moroccan could even deputise for Harry Kane as the central striker.

His versatility will become even more valuable while Bayern carefully manage Musiala’s recovery. Saibari could receive an early opportunity to establish himself in the starting line-up before sharing playing time with Musiala and Serge Gnabry once the German returns.

By signing Saibari, Bayern have increased competition within the squad and added another valuable option for a season in which the club will compete on several fronts.

Nathaniel Brown can contribute in defence and midfield

Bayern also paid approximately €50 million to sign Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt. He was primarily recruited as a left-back and is expected to compete directly with Alphonso Davies.

His early appearances showed that Vincent Kompany can also deploy him in a considerably more advanced position. Brown operated as an attacking midfielder in the German Super Cup and was one of the outstanding performers on the night.

His ability to cover several areas gives the Belgian coach another option whenever Bayern require tactical adjustments. Brown can play in defence, anywhere on the left flank or in a more advanced attacking role.

Competition with Alphonso Davies remains open, but the new arrival could receive regular minutes even when the Canada international is preferred at left-back.

Bayern continue to promote young players

Bara Sapoko Ndiaye became a permanent member of the first-team squad following his previous loan spell. The decision reflects Bayern’s desire to provide a clearer route for young players who demonstrate that they are ready to step up.

Tim Binder was among the biggest beneficiaries of the pre-season schedule. The 19-year-old impressed on the right wing and has entered Vincent Kompany’s plans for the new campaign.

Maycon Cardozo also delivered a number of encouraging performances and could receive more opportunities in domestic competitions. Lennart Karl remains one of the academy’s most promising products and is expected to take another major step towards top-level football.

Bayern have therefore retained a core of established superstars while simultaneously attempting to build a new generation. Kompany has plenty of experience at his disposal for the biggest fixtures, along with several talented youngsters capable of contributing throughout a long season.

Several important players have left Munich

The transfer window also brought the departures of several familiar names. Leon Goretzka and Raphaël Guerreiro left after their contracts expired, while Nicolas Jackson returned to Chelsea at the end of his loan spell.

Alexander Nübel concluded an unusually long period under contract with Bayern. The goalkeeper had belonged to the club since 2020 without ever establishing himself as the undisputed first choice and decided to continue his career with Beşiktaş.

Daniel Peretz and Jonah Kusi-Asare moved to the Premier League, while João Palhinha joined Benfica. Noël Aséko signed for Eintracht Frankfurt, Maurice Krattenmacher moved to Elversberg, Lovro Zvonarek chose Estrela Amadora and Armindo Sieb continued his career with Los Angeles FC.

Wisdom Mike also appears close to leaving the German champions, with Club Brugge considered his likely destination.

Of all those departures, Goretzka’s has had the greatest impact on the structure of Bayern’s squad. The available minutes in central midfield could now go to Tom Bischof, who has an excellent opportunity to become a regular member of Kompany’s rotation.

Manuel Neuer remains first choice, but Jonas Urbig will play more often

Manuel Neuer will begin the season as Bayern’s first-choice goalkeeper, although Jonas Urbig is expected to receive more opportunities than he did during the previous campaign. The club regard him as a potential long-term solution and want to prepare him gradually for the moment when he takes over the starting position.

Neuer has suggested that the 2026-27 campaign could be the final season of his career. Managing the playing time of the two goalkeepers will therefore form an important part of Bayern’s succession planning.

Neuer’s experience remains essential in decisive Bundesliga and Champions League matches. Urbig could feature more regularly in the DFB-Pokal and in fixtures where the coaching staff decide that the veteran needs a rest.

How Bayern’s starting line-up could look

Vincent Kompany has numerous options at his disposal, but the 4-2-3-1 formation is expected to remain Bayern’s primary system.

Predicted line-up in a 4-2-3-1 formation

Manuel Neuer – Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Nathaniel Brown – Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlović – Michael Olise, Ismaël Saibari or Jamal Musiala, Luis Díaz – Harry Kane

The main uncertainty concerns the attacking midfield position. Musiala is the natural first choice when fully fit, but his return will be managed with extreme care. Saibari is the leading candidate to replace him during the opening weeks, with Serge Gnabry also ready to enter the rotation.

Nathaniel Brown and Alphonso Davies will compete for the left-back position. On the opposite flank, Konrad Laimer currently appears to be ahead of Josip Stanišić.

Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlović are the preferred central midfield pairing. Tom Bischof could become the first alternative for both positions, particularly after his encouraging pre-season performances.

The forward line remains Bayern’s greatest weapon. Michael Olise and Luis Díaz are expected to start on the wings, Harry Kane will lead the attack, while Musiala or Saibari will provide the link between midfield and the striker.

Bayern are once again the overwhelming Bundesliga favourites

The German champions have every necessary ingredient to defend their title. Saibari and Brown have strengthened the squad, Bayern’s attacking stars have started the campaign well and the youngsters promoted by Kompany have increased the number of options available.

Their main domestic rivals do not appear to have improved to the same extent. If the difference in quality is reflected on the pitch, the title race could be effectively settled even earlier than it was last season.

Bayern possess experience, squad depth and players capable of deciding matches through moments of individual brilliance. Harry Kane remains one of Europe’s most dangerous strikers, Michael Olise has become central to the team’s attacking play and Luis Díaz provides pace and directness on the left.

Musiala’s eventual return to his best would make Bayern’s attack extremely difficult to contain. Nevertheless, his health must remain the club’s priority, regardless of the importance of any individual fixture.

The Champions League will be Bayern’s greatest test

Winning the Bundesliga represents the minimum objective for a club of Bayern’s stature. The team’s performances in Europe will provide the true measure of its progress under Vincent Kompany.

The German champions possess enough quality to reach the decisive stages of the Champions League. The summer signings have increased competition, while the combination of experienced players and emerging youngsters should help Bayern manage the most demanding periods of the campaign.

To return to the summit of European football, Bayern will require defensive stability, a healthy Manuel Neuer and clinical performances from their attacking players in the biggest matches. Musiala’s full recovery would significantly improve their chances, although Kompany has enough alternatives to construct a dangerous attack even without the Germany international.

Bayern are the clear favourites to win the Bundesliga and have genuine reasons to dream of another European triumph.

Prediction for the Bundesliga

Bayern Munich to finish first

Bayern Munich appear to have virtually no genuine rivals in this season’s title race. Vincent Kompany has the strongest and deepest squad in Germany, strengthened by high-quality additions and supported by several talented youngsters. Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig may challenge them in individual matches, but none currently possess Bayern’s consistency or range of options. Unless the champions suffer an extraordinary injury crisis, they should retain the Bundesliga title comfortably and could establish a decisive advantage relatively early.