1899 Hoffenheim - injuries & suspensions October 2026

1899 Hoffenheim: 2026/27 season preview

TSG Hoffenheim head into the 2026/2027 season after their best campaign in several years. Christian Ilzer’s side finished fifth in the Bundesliga, just one point short of the top four. As a result, they return to European competition after a one-year absence. It marks a major change from the 2024/2025 season, when Hoffenheim were embroiled in a relegation battle for a long time. This time, they start from a very different position.

A settled coach and an increasingly deep squad

Christian Ilzer remains in charge of the team. The Austrian took over at Hoffenheim in November 2024, and last season was his first full campaign in the role. Results improved quickly, and TSG were in the running for European places for much of the season.

There was no major squad overhaul over the summer. Among those to leave the club were Bazoumana Touré and Grischa Prömel. Nathan De Cat, Adam Daghim, Patrick Wimmer, Mats Rots, Cajetan Lenz and Alessandro Vogt arrived in their place. Hoffenheim once again put its faith in young players.

Nathan De Cat the biggest signing

One of the most important new arrivals is Nathan De Cat. The 18-year-old Belgian joined from Anderlecht after making 46 appearances in all competitions last season. He scored three goals and provided five assists. He has signed a contract until 2031.

De Cat plays in central midfield, often as a deep-lying playmaker. He is expected to take responsibility for building attacks and setting the tempo. Hoffenheim must also find a replacement for Grischa Prömel, who moved to VfB Stuttgart. The young Belgian is one candidate, although Ilzer can still call on Andrej Kramarić’s experience in that area of the pitch.

Asllani stayed at the club

Fisnik Asllani’s future was also a major talking point over the summer. The striker was linked with the likes of RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund, but ultimately stayed in Sinsheim.

He finished last season with 11 goals and 10 assists in all competitions, giving him 21 goal contributions in total. His decision to stay is all the more important given that Hoffenheim have lost Bazoumana Touré. They still have several other quality options in attack, however. Andrej Kramarić scored 14 Bundesliga goals last season, while Adam Hložek and Tim Lemperle are also competing for a place in the starting line-up.

Wimmer and Daghim set to fill the gap

Two players with Bundesliga experience have arrived on the wings. Patrick Wimmer joined Sinsheim from Wolfsburg, while Adam Daghim was signed from Red Bull Salzburg. Both are expected to help fill the gap left by Touré, who moved to Newcastle United.

Wimmer gives Ilzer another option on the wing, while Daghim fits the club’s policy of developing young players. Mats Rots also arrived from Twente to play at left-back. Hoffenheim have also welcomed back several players after lengthy injury problems, including Kōki Machida.

Back in Europe

Hoffenheim begin the season with a deep squad, which should make rotation easier. That will be particularly important with Europa League football on the schedule. After a year away, TSG are back in European competition, and the extra matches mean not only a greater workload but also an opportunity for younger players to gain experience. The 2026/2027 season will show whether last season’s fifth-place finish marks the start of a more stable period for Hoffenheim.