Ahead of the start of the new Bundesliga season we take a look at the teams that will try to take the title. Will we see the return of Bayern's dominance or will there be a different champion?
The last-season of the German top-flight definitely gave us the story of the season in European football. Bayer Leverkusen’s historical, unstoppable campaign made the history books as they took home the club’s maiden Bundesliga title. The shockwaves were even stronger because the absolute Kaiser of German football, Bayern Munich, didn’t even end up in second place. The upcoming season promises to be as exciting and might just prove to be the determing factor of German football’s upcoming years. The contenders smell blood, they know that Bayern are vulnerable and can very much be hurt, so expect them all to go all-in this time around. Do not, however, expect the 32-time champions to go down without a fierce fight.
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich, after a decade of undisputed dominance in the Bundesliga, have just experienced their most disappointing season since 2011, finishing below their usual high standards. This underperformance led to significant changes within the club, including a managerial shakeup and a host of new signings, while some long-time players were shown the door. Bayern’s previous run of 11 consecutive Bundesliga titles had solidified their status as the undisputed kings of German football. However, last season’s slip-up has reignited fears of a repeat of the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons when Borussia Dortmund seized the title two years in a row.
Determined to avoid such a scenario, Bayern Munich is pulling out all the stops to reclaim their dominance. The club’s aggressive spending in the transfer market and the overhaul of the squad signal their intent to restore their supremacy and ensure that all major German trophies return to their cabinet. This season is set to be a test of Bayern’s resilience and ambition, as they aim to reassert their authority and maintain their legacy at the top of German football.
The stakes are particularly high for Bayern Munich this season, not just in terms of reclaiming the Bundesliga title, but also in asserting their dominance in European competitions. The club’s recent changes reflect a broader strategy aimed at revitalizing the squad with fresh talent, blending youth with experience, and ensuring that the team is not only competitive domestically but also a formidable force on the international stage. Bayern’s management is well aware that success in Germany is closely linked to their performance in the UEFA Champions League, and they are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to build a team capable of challenging Europe’s elite. As the new season unfolds, all eyes will be on Bayern to see if their bold moves will translate into silverware and if they can reestablish themselves as the powerhouse of European football.
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen turned heads last season with an exceptional campaign, clinching a domestic double while coming agonizingly close to an unbeaten season, narrowly missing out after a loss in the Europa League final. Their football was nothing short of spectacular—brilliant, relentless, and driven by a squad brimming with talent. Unlike many teams that peak and then see their best players poached by rivals, Leverkusen managed to retain the core of their squad during the summer transfer window. They also added a few exciting new signings, further strengthening their lineup. However, the most significant victory for the club was keeping hold of their visionary manager, Xabi Alonso, the mastermind behind their success.
As Leverkusen prepares for the new season, the big question is whether they can build on this momentum. The team is riding a wave of hype and excitement, but can they translate that into sustained success? There is a subtle yet pervasive curiosity about whether Leverkusen is on the brink of becoming a new powerhouse in German and European football— a force to be reckoned with for years to come— or if last season’s heroics were simply a one-off miracle. The coming months will reveal whether Alonso’s side can maintain their upward trajectory or if they will falter under the weight of expectations.
Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund has been knocking on the door of greatness over the past two seasons, coming tantalizingly close to major glory both domestically and in Europe. Last season, they made it all the way to the Champions League final, only to be outclassed by Real Madrid, while the season before saw them reach the semifinals. That same season in the Bundesliga, Dortmund had the title within their grasp, only to suffer a heartbreaking defeat in the final game, which cost them the championship. This summer brought significant changes, with the departure of club legend Marco Reus after more than a decade of service, and the appointment of Nuri Şahin as head coach. Şahin, a former Borussia player and last season’s assistant to Edin Terzić, takes the reins with the task of building on his predecessor’s success. Despite these changes, Dortmund appears to be making shrewd moves in the transfer market, reinforcing their squad with smart signings that could give them the edge in the coming season.
Given their recent performances, both in Europe and Germany, Borussia Dortmund undoubtedly stands as a serious contender. The question now is whether they can harness the shifting dynamics in German football to establish themselves as the team to beat. With a blend of experience, youthful talent, and tactical acumen, Dortmund seems to have all the ingredients to capitalize on the changing tides. The challenge for Şahin and his squad will be to turn potential into reality, seizing this moment to step out of Bayern Munich’s shadow and claim their place at the top.
RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig, while not traditionally focused on winning titles, has quietly positioned itself as a significant threat in German football with the squad they’ve meticulously assembled. The club has honed its expertise in scouting and developing talented players, preparing them for higher levels of competition and generating substantial revenue through transfers. This business model has served them well, enabling them to achieve domestic success, including a few cup wins and last season’s Super Cup triumph.
Despite these accomplishments, Leipzig’s ambitions are clearly evolving. Having spent the last three seasons just outside the top two, their consistent performances and stable approach might just give them the upper hand in what promises to be a fiercely competitive season. With several teams vying for the top spots, Leipzig’s blend of strategic development, stability, and newfound hunger for more significant achievements could well prove to be the decisive factor. As the new season unfolds, RB Leipzig could emerge as a dark horse capable of disrupting the established order and challenging for a top position in a league that promises to be tightly contested.
VfB Stuttgart
Stuttgart’s remarkable turnaround last season, where they secured a second-place finish after struggling in the 15th and 16th positions in the two preceding years, has captured significant attention. The club’s last title came in 2007, and they have faced the challenges of relegation twice since then. However, under the guidance of manager Uli Hoeness, Stuttgart has experienced a resurgence, demonstrating impressive prowess both offensively and defensively. They boasted the third-best attack and the second-best defense in the league, highlighting their balanced and formidable approach.
Despite their impressive form, Stuttgart’s ambitions for the new season may not yet place them among the top title contenders. The departure of their top scorer, Seihou Guirassy, to Borussia Dortmund, is a notable loss, but the club has made strategic moves to strengthen their squad. The permanent signing of Deniz Undav and the acquisition of Ermedin Demirović from Augsburg—who enjoyed a standout season with 15 goals and 9 assists—are promising additions that could bolster their attack.
While it might be premature to label Stuttgart as genuine title contenders, their recent performances suggest that they will be a strong presence around the top of the table. With their revamped squad and continued stability, Stuttgart could very well disrupt the plans of other top teams, potentially pushing someone out of the top spots and making a significant impact in the league.
