Bayern Munich's long run of Bundesliga dominance was halted in 2023/24 when Leverkusen ended their streak. Leverkusen enter as strong contenders under new manager Erik ten Hag, who succeeds Xabi Alonso. Borussia Dortmund finished last season strongly under Niko Kovac and RB Leipzig appointed Ole Werner after his Werder Bremen exit. Eintracht Frankfurt aim to build on a third-place finish, their best in 32 years. Significant summer transfers include Bayern signing Luis Diaz, Frankurt selling Hugo Ekitike, Jobe Bellingham joining Dortmund, Benjamin Sesko moving to Manchester United and Jeremie Frimpong leaving for Liverpool.
When Bayern Munich last won the Bundesliga after a season off the top, it proved the first of 11 successive triumphs until they were stopped in 2023/24 by Leverkusen, who are lengthy second-favourites to stop Vincent Kompany's squad from triumphing again this time. New Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag dethroned PSV in his first full season in charge of Ajax in 2018/19, but succeeding Xabi Alonso - orchestrator of Die Werkself's glorious unbeaten domestic campaign two years ago - could be a blessing or a curse as the Dutchman aims to restore his reputation.
Bundesliga transfers 2025/26 Bayern's £65.5m addition of forward Luis Diaz from Liverpool was the headline incoming deal of the summer, while Frankfurt lost the prolific Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool for an initial £69m, although Dino Toppmoller's signings have included centre-forward Jonathan Burkardt - scorer of 18 league goals for Mainz last season - for around £20m. Germany playmaker Florian Wirtz's switch from Leverkusen to Anfield could rise to a British-record £116m and winger Jamie Gittens netted Dortmund £48.5m from Chelsea, with BVB now hoping for creative inspiration from 19-year-old Jobe Bellingham, signed from Sunderland for a first payment of £27.8m.
Leipzig sold targetman Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United for an initial £66.3m and Liverpool activated Leverkusen wideman Jeremie Frimpong's £29.5m release clause, although Ten Hag does now have USMNT midfielder Malik Tillman - signed for PSV for £34m - and former Reds defender Jarell Quansah to call upon.
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