Bundesliga Predictions For The 2026/27 Season – Champions And Relegation Contenders
· Yahoo Sports
By Ben McFadyean.
Interest in the German top tier was up last season after Bayern Munich’s unstoppable run. At the same time, BVB returned to form, finishing in second, while RB Leipzig once more showed they are ready to challenge, finishing in third place. As a result, there’s an expectation that this season may open doors to more surprises. If so, count us in. But before that, here are our Bundesliga predictions for season 2026/27; let’s go!
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1. FC Bayern München
The unbeaten record of the Leverkusen team that led to their first-ever title in 2024 put the German league right back on the map. Bayern fans, however, were baying to see a return to the routine of winning, and in spite of the uncertainty of an unproven coach from a Championship team in the form of Vincent Kompany, the Manchester City legend has proven them all wrong.
Harry Kane, once more in 25/26, has been an outstanding success with 61 goals, to add to the 38 he scored in his opening season. The England captain is much more than just a goal scorer; he is now a commanding presence at the club.
Manuel Neuer will retire at the end of the season and will need replacing; Leon Goretzka has left, and João Palhinha and Leroy Sane continue to be unsettled. The outlook, however, remains good and the side can count on an outstanding balance of talents and highly experienced players.
The reinforcement of Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt adds significantly at the heart of defence, while Ismael Saibari was among PSV Eindhoven’s leading players and adds significantly in midfield. Watch out also for highly-rated attacking midfield talent 2-time Senegal international Bara Sapoko Ndiaye.
A question mark, however, remains about transfer policy. Sporting director Max Eberl remains under fire, and there is growing dissatisfaction with the lack of progress this summer in particular. The need to replace Neuer is at the top of his list, with Sven Ulreich also turning 38 later this season.
There is also a need for reinforcements at centre-back; Dayot Upamecano can look world-class one week and shaky the next. Kim Min-Jae, in turn, has also not lived up to expectations. Eberl has also come under fire for missing key targets Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola, and he will need to deliver to keep the side at the top.
With Kompany, the club have a proven force at the helm, and they remain the side with the most unmatched squad depth in the top tier, but the competition does not sleep, and this season could be a bigger challenge for the Belgian than many expect.
2. Borussia Dortmund
BVB’s world-class scouting operation was improved following the departure of Sebastian Kehl, who was replaced by rising star in German football management, Ole Book, who led SV Elversberg from the Regionalliga to the Bundesliga.
Critics have argued that with Karim Adeyemi, BVB has let go of one of the best attacking players the club has had since Jude Bellingham. Will new signing Nico Karetsas be able to fill the position, or will there be another signing?
The left wing also remains vulnerable as it stands, with only Carney Chukwuemeka in the position, and the other option, Mathis Albert, still inexperienced. Another signing may be needed.
In midfield, the contract of Julian Brandt was not renewed. The club also remains open to offers for unsettled midfield motor Felix Nmecha. This could be the season Jobe Bellingham, however, starts to show the kind of form that brought him to the club’s attention whilst at Sunderland.
A talent to watch out for is also eighteen-year-old Midfielder Justin Lerma. Fabio Silva has yet to prove his value in the squad, and Emre Can will need to prove this season that he is worth a contract extension.
In defence, the retention of Nico Schlotterbeck and Julian Ryerson is a strong signal. Look out also for talents Luca Reggiani and Filippo Mane, who could both break through in 26/27. The versatile centre-back Joane Gadou may prove to be the signing of the summer.
In attack, Maximilian Beier is becoming a key target man. However, rumours continue to persist about wantaway striker Serhou Guirassy, and the club are actively looking for a striker to replace him. That, if the club are willing to meet his valuation, could be Cologne’s Said El Mala. A signing of the Billygoats’ top scorer would be an impressive statement of intent.
Despite the improvement from third to second place, doubts remain about manager Niko Kovac. In particular, the style of play has underwhelmed fans, and his expiring contract has yet to be renewed.
There are also doubts about the lack of experience. As it stands, the side go into the campaign with an average age of just 24. For the first season in a decade, the club won no titles or promotion at any level last season. the newly structured leadership of Ole Book, Niko Kovac, and Lars Ricken, there will need to be some progress, ideally silverware, this season.
3. RB Leipzig
Martin DeMichelis has newly taken over at the helm in Leipzig, after former Werder Bremen coach Ole Werner was dismissed at the end of last season in spite of the third-placed finish. It is hoped that the former Manchester City centre-back, who led River Plate to the title in 2023, can return the side to the heights of the DFB Pokal win of 2023.
This summer has crucially seen the departure of the outstanding winger Yan Diomande for a club record, and Striker Louis Openda, both of which remain a challenge to replace. Otherwise, though the squad has been kept together, including Christoph Baumgartner, Ridle Baku, Brajan Gruda, and Castello Lukeba, all players with a track record of delivering.
In Johan Bakayoko, they have an outstanding striker. Willi Orban and David Raum are the out-and-out leaders in defense alongside Benjamin Heinrichs. Lukas Klostermann is also a versatile backup. New signing Rocco Reitz adds further options for the midfield. New signing centre-back Maxim Esteve is a player to watch out for.
The Champions League is on the cards, and they have funds in the bank to bring in more signings in January if needed, but the ambitious East German club is not a title contender as yet.
4. VfB Stuttgart
Die Schwaben under coach Sebastian Hoeness built on their 2024 DFB Pokal win with an impressive improvement, finishing fourth last season. The squad has been kept together, which is crucial. Only attacking midfielder Noah Darvich, who left for newly promoted Elversberg, has gone among the inner core of players. Wolfsburg striker Dzenan Pejcinovic is the key signing up front. Leicester City’s Morocco international Bilal El Khannouss has been added, an astute signing albeit at a fair price.
The retention of attacking midfielders Angelo Stiller and Ermedin Demirović is crucial. As is Jamie Leweling on the wing. In defense, they have retained Maximilian Mittelstädt and Jeff Chabot, and with the signing of winger Leo Sauer, VfB has one of Feyenoord’s most talented wingers incoming. A player to watch is highly-rated Germany U21 centre-back Finn Jeltsch.
Finding the balance in defense is key to another Champions League place. Stuttgart has the depth they need to compete across three competitions and are poised for another impressive season.
5. Bayer Leverkusen
The appointment of new manager Carles Martínez Novell sets the tone for the Werkself. The Spanish manager was not just part of the management team that led Toulouse to their first-ever major trophy, the 2023 Coupe de France. He shaped a competitive side and is highly regarded in Ligue 1.
The good news is that the club has retained the most important players, including Robert Andrich, Malick Tilman, Edmond Tapsoba, Exequiel Palacios, and Jarrel Quansah.
Centre-forward Patrick Schick is key, but watch out for new winger Alfonso Moreira and winger Miguel Gutierrez. Despite losing Piero Hincapie to Arsenal and quality left-back Alejandro Grimaldo to Atletico Madrid, the ‘Red and Blacks’ will once more be among the top two and will again surprise the observers in the season ahead.
6. TSG Hoffenheim
Die Kraichgauer have seen a steady improvement under Austrian coach Christian Ilzer. Last season, Hoffenheim finished fifth, a massive ten places above 24/25, qualifying once for the Europa League in the season ahead.
Keeper and current captain Oliver Baumann is one of the pillars of the side, as is centre-forward Andrej Kramarić. Max Moerstedt is a talent in attack. For now, Midfielder Nathan Da Cat joins from Anderlecht to support Wouter Burger and Dennis Geiger.
Up front, Adam Daghim is an interesting signing who will add options in attack. As is Bosnia international striker Haris Tabakovic. Vladimir Coufal and Tim Lemperle are crucial players who Matarazzo will rely on in the season ahead. A talent to watch out for is right-back, Mohamed Sahid.
The defense remains a concern that needs addressing despite the addition of left-back Max Rots from SC Twente. TSG can push again for a European place in the season ahead, but it must adjust without impact player Bazoumane Toure and would be pressed to replace want-away striker Fiznik Aslani should an offer for the second-most prolific scorer materialise, as is currently expected with two weeks to go until deadline day.
7. Eintracht Frankfurt
Eintracht Frankfurt concluded the 2025/26 season with just 44 points, finishing eighth, the second-worst performance in a decade, and as a result, new Albert Riera was removed at the end of the season. To restore the Diva vom Main to former glory, the club have turned to Adi Hütter, who previously led the Red and Blacks to the Europa League semi-final.
This Eintracht side is the second youngest in the league. The Hessians had the second-worst number of goals conceded in 25/26, and they have made some smart transfers this summer. Noel Aseseko, who has arrived from Bayern Munich, will crucially reinforce the defensive Midfield, as will Nigeria international Rafael Onyedika. A further new player to watch out for is twenty-year-old Brazilian centre-back Otavio. He has the potential to have a real breakthrough season.
The loss of outstanding left-back Nathaniel Brown is an important one, but the side has brought back France U21 player Niels Nkounkou, who has been on loan at Torino in this position and will give an important second option alongside Keita Kosugi in defense.
In the highly effective Jonathan Burkhardt, the side has one of Germany’s most talented young players in attack. Can Uzun is another player with huge prospects ahead of him; in 25/26 he was also among the most prolific scorers and assist givers with 12 scorer points.
Ritsu Doan is an in-demand midfielder who is known for his tactical intelligence and ball-winning abilities, which they have done well to retain, as well as other top performers Arnaud Kaliumendo and Hugo Larsson.
Oscar Hojlund is a new signing known for good defensive positioning, ball-carrying abilities, and acceleration who can once again prove crucial. Talents like Younes Ebnoutalib, Ansgar Knauff, and Nmamdi Collins provide depth and versatility.
Overall, the Waldstadion remains one of the toughest places to pick up points, and the SGE under the new old manager has the qualities to return to European action.
8. SC Freiburg
Last season the Breisgauer finished in seventh. Qualification to the UEFA Conference League is a reward for a strong second season under the former assistant to Christian Streich, Julian Schuster.
The loss of top-performing players Johan Manzambi, Junior Adamu and Merlin Röhl, however, needs to be compensated if the club are to continue making advances up the table in the coming season. Germany goalkeeper Noah Atabolu remains in demand and could yet see a move in this transfer window. With the signing of Mio Backhaus, who joins from Werder Bremen, the club have made provision with a player who is an impressive talent.
The Schwarzwald-based club has also beefed up with the addition of a player with strong potential in the form of centre-forward Keisuke Gotō from Anderlecht, who can also play on the wing. Japanese international Rihito Yamamota, who joins from St Truiden, adds further quality to the defensive midfield. Midfielder Yannik Engelhardt of Como, who has been on loan at Borussia Mönchengladbach, is also one to watch.
Otherwise, the black and whites go into the season with a relatively unchanged side. They continue to be able to count on top scorers Igor Matanovic and Vincenzo Grifo. Also, Yuito Suzuki provides further depth in the attack. In the heart of the defense, Matthias Ginter and Philipp Lienhardt are the mainstays that can be relied on.
The club that benefits from being among the most loyal fanbases in the league will once more compete for a European place.
9. FSV Mainz 05
After the failure of the Bo Henriksen experiment led to the arrival of Urs Fischer at Mainz 05 in December. The Swiss coach has been exactly what was needed to bring success back to the Mewa Arena. In the second half of the season, the Red and Whites put in a charge up the table which impressively took them from rock bottom and 18th to a tenth-place finish.
Mainz under the new manager, who led Union Berlin from the second tier to the Champions League, can once again be one of the most exciting smaller teams of the upcoming Bundesliga season. The offense in particular promises a lot, but defensively something still needs to happen.
Mainz 05 has exciting new players in the squad. With Ghana international Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer, the club have secured the services of a promising talent on the wing. South Korea international midfielder Hong Hyun-seok also adds depth to the midfield.
In terms of the defence, new arrival Eric Martel, who joins from FC Cologne, is the type of versatile defensive player the club needed to bring further stability, as is Austria international centre-back Stefan Posch. These two players in particular have the potential to make a quick impact.
In terms of transfers, Tom Krauss has moved to FC Cologne, and Arnaud Nordin and Nicholas Veradschnig are losses which need to be compensated.
The Red and Whites have done well to retain top performers Nadiem Amiri, Philipp Tietz and Paul Nebel, who are all in demand.
This team will finish in midfield, perhaps more.
10. Werder Bremen
Daniel Thioune goes into his second season with the Werderaner with a talented squad but one which will need further work, in particular in the defense and forward line in order to establish itself once more in the top half of the table.
The side has the quality across the squad, but the 15th-placed finish and brush with relegation in 25/26 has shocked the side into action.
The Green and Whites lost keeper Mio Backhaus. Between the posts, they have brought in two reinforcements: Austria international Alex Schlager from RB Leipzig and talent Karl Hein, who joins from Arsenal.
Conceding 60 goals last season cost the club dearly. In defence, they have also lost top right back Yukinari Sugawara but have brought in Poland international Oskar Wojcick, who is one to watch. In defensive midfield, Dariusz Stalmach has joined from 1 FC Magdeburg.
In attack, the side have lost playmaker Romano Schmid to Serie A club Frosinone, who will need replacing. The club from the Weserstadion have reinforced with an interesting talent, Spain U18 international attacking midfielder Chuki from Real Valladolid. In addition, French striker talent Kenny Quetant has been added in the off-season, as has Swiss international centre-forward Cedric Itten, who brings extensive experience and can establish himself.
Otherwise, the squad has been kept together, crucially with strikers Jens Stage and Justin Djinmah. Senne Lynen has established himself and made himself indispensable for the defensive performance.
Right-backs Mitchell Weiser and captain Marco Friedly are crucial at the heart of the defense. Overall, the squad has improved in depth, but over-reliant on Jens Stage, an additional striker would be beneficial.
Watch out for talented winger Leon Opitz, who could break through.
The side will continue to improve and is on course to return to where the 4-time Deutsche Meister belongs in European competition.
11. FC Augsburg
The 9th-placed finish in 25/26 and the form they demonstrated in 25/26 show promise. This season, the team has largely been kept together and has been further reinforced.
The Bavarian side can once more attack the top half of the table this season. New coach Manuel Baum, who is in his second era with the club, is starting to shape the side in the mould of his system.
In particular, they have done well to keep key performers Finn Dahmen, Robin Fellhauer, and Keven Schlotterbeck as well as top scorers Michael Gregoritsch and Anton Kade.
In particular, there is a lack of stability in defence; the side were among the bottom third in terms of goals conceded. At left back, Dimitris Gianoulis has been replaced by Hoffenheim’s Hennes Behrens. An additional reinforcement at centre-back comes in the form of Paderborn’s Calvin Brackelmann. One to watch is French defender Christian Matsima, who consistently put in top performances last season.
A key signing is the top signing of the summer, striker talent Rodrigo Ribeiro from Sporting Lisbon, who can add to the side’s goal tally this season and break into the group of first-choice players.
If things go well, the FCA can improve and push more for a European place, but for that a lot needs to go right.
12. Union Berlin
Union were the team to watch in 23/24 when they competed in the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history, but the following two seasons have seen four coaches come and go without being able to break into the top half of the table once more.
The hope now is that new coach Mauro Lustrinelli, who showed his quality at Swiss side FC Thun, leading the Super League side to their first-ever top-tier title in 2026, can provide a steadying hand which is much needed.
The transfers that Die Köppenicker have done this summer include Hoffenheim centre-back France U21 international Stanley Nsoki, who has the potential to become a regular in the side; alongside him, new arrival from Borussia Monchengladbach Marvin Friedrich brings experience.
Die Eisernen had the fourth-lowest goal tally in the league last season; to stock up the attack, Ivorian Emmanuel Latte Lath has joined on a season-long loan with an option from Atlanta United (MLS). He is a centre-forward who has scored 36 goals in the last two seasons.
A key to the side’s success is the retention of a core of players, including top performers Oliver Burke, Leopold Querfeld and keeper Frederick Rennow. A player to watch out for is Germany U21 defensive midfielder Aljoscha Kemlein, who has the potential to establish himself in the side.
The squad is limited in terms of depth as it stands. There is enough talent on the side, but it will need to convert more of its opportunities to reach its potential. An improved performance lies ahead, but no more than midfield.
13. Borussia Mönchengladbach
A disappointing 12th place was a very disappointing performance for the side that, in recent seasons, have looked closer to relegation in recent seasons than the European competitions which the 5-time Deutsche Meister aspire to.
Apart from Rocco Reitz and Giovanni Reyna, the side go into the next season having retained many of the key players, including Kevin Diks, Jens Castrop, Kevin Stöger and Joe Scally. Leading scorer Haris Tabakovic will, however, need replacing.
The side conceded 53 goals in 25/26, and the defence needs further reinforcement. In the current transfer period, they have signed three experienced players in the form of left-back David Herold from Karlsruher SC, centre-back Jan Leszczyński, who arrives from Polish top club Legia Warsaw, and and right-back Daiki Hashioka which promise to add stability.
In the attack, the top signing is Darmstadt’s Swedish striker Isac Lidberg. A further reinforcement who is highly-regarded is Sweden international winger Hugo Bolin, whose loan has been made permanent.
Probably the most interesting player in the Borussia Mönchengladbach squad is Tim Kleindienst. He is not just the leader in attack but also has a strong leadership mentality and adds enormous danger.
On paper, Borussia Mönchengladbach has put together an improved squad. Gladbach will have nothing to do with relegation, but they may struggle to improve on their 25/26 finish without at least a further striker.
14. 1. FC Köln
1. FC Köln look to solidify their position in Germany’s top flight for the long term under new coach Rene Wagner after surviving in 14th last season but at times with very admirable performances.
Of the top performers last season, only winger Jakub Kaminski has departed, although with Dominique Heintz the side has also lost experience in defence.
A new-look defence is coming together. Die Domstädter have brought in an impressive talent at centre-back in Jahmal Simpson-Pusey from Manchester City, who could be the season’s top signing. The highly-experienced Ghana international Gideon Mensah from Ligue 1 side Auxerre also adds much-needed quality at left back. Georgian centre-back Luka Lochoshvili, who joins from Nuremberg, will also reinforce the right side.
In midfield, they have done well to secure the services of Tom Krauss, whose loan from Mainz 05 has been made permanent and will replace Eric Martel. Australia international Paul Okon-Engstler is a defensive midfielder to watch who featured heavily for Australia at the World Cup and is highly rated.
In terms of the attack, with two weeks to go until the transfer window closes, a large question mark remains over top striker Said El Mala, who is being hotly pursued by a number of top clubs. Should he move, the club will be expecting a substantial transfer fee but will need to replace the player who scored 15 goals in 25/26.
Overall, this side is once more unpredictable. There have been a large number of new players incoming. Should things click, the side could finish in the midfield; a relegation battle is also predictable.
15. SV Elversberg
Vincent Wagner impressed many, taking forward the outstanding work that Horst Steffen achieved with the club from the smallest state in Germany, Saarland, and getting Die Elv to the Bundesliga.
Wagner has put together a side with stability and structure. Things could now also go well in the Bundesliga. The side impressed last season with fluid and eye-catching counter-attacking football, which led them to a second-placed finish.
The Schwarz-Weissen had the best scoring record in 25/26, notching up 64 goals, with top striker Bulgaria international Lukas Petkov notching up 16 of them. The side from the small town of just 13,000 have done well to secure his services for the coming season. However, other top centre-forward Younes Ebnoutalib has departed for Eintracht Frankfurt and will need replacing. One to watch is top signing US International Cole Campbell, who has signed from Borussia Dortmund and will add attacking options.
Elversberg are the first team from Saarland since 1992/93 to play in the top tier. They have kept the majority of their squad together, including experienced keeper Nicolas Kristof, Lukas Pinkert and Florian Le Joncour at the heart of the defence and winger Manuel Feil, who provides stability.
On the incoming side, however, Elversberg have stuck to their principle of attracting young loanees and free transfers. Francis Onyeka has joined on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, as has the highly-talented Noah Darvich from VfB Stuttgart for the attacking midfield.
The major departure is Carlos Sickinger, who has joined Darmstadt. A replacement has been found in Poland U21 midfielder Lukasz Poreba, who has been signed from Hamburger SV. One to watch is Germany U20 Maurice Krattenmacher, who joins from Bayern Munich and adds options on the wing.
The balanced squad should ensure consistency, and the side may impress during the season, but they may not have enough depth as it stands, and the team will need to perform consistently to stay out of the relegation zone.
16. Schalke 04
Former Plymouth Argyle manager Miron Muslic has worked wonders at the Veltins Arena with the promotion to the top tier, but the first season back is always challenging, and for Die Knappen, in spite of the quality in the side, it will be no different.
The squad building still faces obstacles despite plans to build a highly competitive side to stay up in the Bundesliga this season. The squad value of just €67m is among the lowest in the league. What the 7-time Meister have achieved is to keep many of the most important players from the promotion season together. This includes top striker and captain Kenan Keraman, Soufiane El-Faouzi, and Moussa Sylla.
New arrival Robin Gosens brings quality at left back; alongside Edin Dzeko, they bring international-level experience to the locker room, which will be invaluable.
The Ruhr Valley side has been reinforced with the arrival of Junior Dina Emimba from Eintracht Frankfurt, who will add depth in the midfield. Japan international Satoshi Tanaka is a further addition to the defensive midfield and is a signing which will be significant for the club’s survival ambitions.
One to watch is Austrian international striker Junior Adamu, who has an outstanding scoring record.
What the side can build on is, as ever, a record following with an average of 60,000 at home games once more this season. They will need it.
17. Hamburger SV
HSV have lost some important players. It remains unclear how the new squad will work together. The team from the Volksparkstadion will struggle unless further reinforcements are brought in, and could end up one of the hottest candidates for relegation this season.
Despite securing their place in the Bundesliga, Merlin Polzin’s side had to let several regular players go, including Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer and left-back Noah Katterbach, and most painfully Robert Glatzel, who has been one of the side’s top strikers in recent seasons. The centre-forward now plays for VfL Wolfsburg.
One to watch is Morocco international midfielder Bilal Nadir, who arrives from Olympique Marseille and has shown promise in pre-season.
The side once more look vulnerable; however, if the new additions, principally top signings French attacking midfielders Martin Adeline, who has joined from Ligue 1 side Troyes, and Denmark international Albert Grønbaek, the side could steer clear of the relegation zone– without having to take a diversion via the relegation playoffs.
18. SC Paderborn
The East-Westphalians under Ralf Ketterman surprised many by winning promotion via the relegation play-offs and sending VfL Wolfsburg down. The enthusiasm has been great, and a record 10,000 season tickets have already been sold. The club, who celebrate their 120th anniversary since their founding this season, will want to put on a good performance.
The club have done well to keep the majority of the top performers from the promotion season, with the exception of the outstanding Derby County-bound winger Filip Bilbija, who will need replacing.
In particular, the SCP have done well to retain the core of the side in Raphael Obermair, Stefan Klaas, and the highly-talented Laurin Kurda. Further reinforcements have been added in the form of winger Ralf Zeitler, who is on loan from Hoffenheim and is rated. In the attacking midfield, Germany U20 Oliver Batista Meier has also been brought in to add options. One to watch is striker Deniz Zeitler, who scored 15 goals for Hoffenheim II in the 3 Liga last season.
Kettermann has earned accolades for an entertaining, possession-oriented style of play that relies heavily on controlling the match tempo, fluid attacking shapes, and structured wing-pressing. However, the Bundesliga is on a level where the side will struggle to impose their tactics in the season ahead; they simply don’t have the quality at this time.
Anyone’s guess regarding Bundesliga predictions this season
As to who will challenge for the title, who will take European places and in what order, and the candidates for the drop, the season ahead is more open than it has been for some seasons.
In terms of the European places, in particular, Augsburg, Stuttgart, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Hoffenheim could provide some surprises. BVB and Leipzig will also continue their upward trajectory but for now will continue to struggle to assert themselves in the title race.
Of the three newly promoted clubs, Elversberg is the least predictable. Schalke and Paderborn will struggle. Like Heidenheim before them, Die Elv could end up securing an extended stay in the league and surprise many.
Last year saw only two German teams in the last four of various competitions, but with eight Bundesliga teams in Europe, there is plenty to look forward to in the UEFA tournaments this season.
Expect a breakthrough season for some incredible new signings. As ever, the spectacle of the best fans in Europe across the league is now even better with Schalke’s Veltins Arena once more in the mix.