Berlin, Aug 20 (AP) Bayern Munich reclaimed the Bundesliga title last season, and now Vincent Kompany and Harry Kane are eager to secure another championship, aiming to build a lasting dynasty.
As the league prepares for Friday's opening match between Bayern and Leipzig, Bayern remains the top contender, with the race for closest challenger wide open.
Potential challengers such as Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Stuttgart, Leipzig, and Eintracht Frankfurt have all seen key players depart, and few have made significant signings since last season.
Leverkusen, the only team to disrupt Bayern's dominance in the last 13 years, has undergone significant changes since winning the Bundesliga in 2024. Key figures like Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, Jeremie Frimpong, and captain Jonathan Tah have left the team, along with star coach Xabi Alonso. Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag now leads the revamped squad into a new era.
Bayern's Bid for Glory Luis Díaz's arrival from Liverpool introduces a fresh attacking threat for Bayern, as he demonstrated by scoring on his debut in the German Supercup.
With this being Kane's third season as Bayern's leading striker, the team's structure is evolving from the Robert Lewandowski era.
Leroy Sané, Thomas Müller, Kingsley Coman, and Mathys Tel have departed. This leaner squad will rely on Díaz and seasoned forward Serge Gnabry, the only remaining member from Bayern's 2020 Champions League victory, to perform consistently.
The spotlight is on Michael Olise. Jamal Musiala's long-term injury during the Club World Cup means Olise, typically a winger, must adapt to a central role. His 20 goals and 23 assists last season were impressive, but they primarily came from the right wing.
Jonathan Tah's signing from Leverkusen adds strength and experience to Bayern's defense. Kompany has talented young midfielders like Tom Bischof and Lennart Karl, who excelled in preseason, at his disposal.
Bellingham at Dortmund — Again From Jude to Jobe, Dortmund's midfield features another Bellingham.
At just 19, Jobe Bellingham, signed from Sunderland, made an immediate impact on the larger stage during his Dortmund debut at the Club World Cup.
Jobe Bellingham stands out among the newcomers vying to challenge Bayern, as each team adapts to the loss of key players. Leverkusen bid farewell to a title-winning roster, Frankfurt said goodbye to Hugo Ekitiké and goalkeeper Kevin Trapp, and Jamie Gittens left Dortmund for Chelsea.
As Jürgen Klopp enters his first full season as Red Bull's head of global soccer, Leipzig reportedly spent over 110 million euros ($128 million) on seven young players, with the oldest, Brazilian striker Rômulo, only 23. However, they lost Benjamin Šeško to Manchester United.
The potential for further signings remains before the transfer window closes on Sept. 1, with Leverkusen and Frankfurt having earned more than they've spent so far.
Back but for How Long? The main challenge for promoted teams Hamburger SV and Cologne will be staying in the top division.
Cologne brought back veteran coach Friedhelm Funkel for its last two games to secure promotion as second division champions. Former Paderborn coach Lukas Kwasniok has been appointed to oversee their top-flight campaign.
Hamburg, the longest surviving founding member of the Bundesliga, endured seven seasons away. The excitement of their return has been tempered by a summer of disappointing results. Hamburg struggled against fifth-tier Pirmasens in the first round of the German Cup last weekend, needing extra time to advance.
Merlin Polzin's team begins its Bundesliga campaign against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday and prepares to host St. Pauli in what promises to be an emotional city derby the following weekend. (AP)
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