Bayern München - injuries & suspensions October 2026

Bayern München: 2026/27 season preview

Bayern Munich begin the 2026/2027 season with Vincent Kompany in charge. There have been a few changes over the summer, although it would be difficult to call them a revolution. Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, Luis Díaz, Joshua Kimmich and Manuel Neuer remain the core of the team. After winning the domestic double last season, Bayern are once again competing on several fronts. A deep squad will be particularly important given their participation in the Champions League.

Kompany continues his work

This is another season for Vincent Kompany as Bayern Munich coach. This time, the Belgian does not have to get to know the team from scratch. His first season gave him a better understanding of the players, their abilities and how they respond to his ideas. He can now focus on developing the approaches that proved effective in the previous campaign. Competition for places remains intense. Kompany will also have to manage playing time carefully, especially during periods when Bayern play every few days.

A few important changes to the squad

Bayern Munich focused primarily on two significant additions over the summer. Ismael Saibari was brought in from PSV Eindhoven. The 25-year-old Morocco international can play in several attacking positions, while his technique, dynamism and intensity give the coach another option in building attacks.

The other major signing is Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt. The 23-year-old German has signed a contract until 2031. He can play in defence and midfield, giving Kompany a player he can use in different systems.

At the same time, several players have left Munich. Leon Goretzka joined Aston Villa, João Palhinha became a Benfica player, and Raphael Guerreiro departed after his contract expired. Bayern also chose not to extend Nicolas Jackson's loan, and he returned to Chelsea. After a spell at Heidenheim, Arijon Ibrahimović has gone out on loan again, this time to Augsburg.

Experience and youth

Despite the changes, Bayern still have plenty of experience in their squad. Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Harry Kane, Serge Gnabry and Jonathan Tah are players who have been performing at the highest level for years. However, younger names are increasingly featuring alongside them.

Aleksandar Pavlović, Lennart Karl and Tom Bischof will be looking to take on bigger roles. The midfield situation is particularly interesting. Goretzka and Palhinha's departures have changed the balance in that area. Kimmich remains its key figure, but Bischof, Pavlović and Konrad Laimer could compete for a place alongside him.

Kompany has no shortage of options in attack. Kane remains the main striker, with Musiala, Olise, Luis Díaz, Gnabry and Saibari all able to play behind him. Each offers something different, allowing the coach to adjust his approach without having to make major changes to the system.

No revolution in defence or goal

Among those who remain in defence are Dayot Upamecano, Min-jae Kim, Jonathan Tah, Hiroki Ito, Josip Stanišić and Sacha Boey. Brown's arrival increases competition and gives Kompany another option for rotation. That will be important in a season played on several fronts.

Manuel Neuer remains the number one in goal. The captain has extended his contract until June 2027, as has Sven Ulreich. Jonas Urbig remains in reserve and is expected to gradually prepare to take on a bigger role.

A season full of challenges

Kompany begins his second season with a team that no longer needs to be built from scratch. A few adjustments were made over the summer, but the key figures have stayed in Munich. The new arrivals are expected to strengthen the squad, while the younger players should get more opportunities. Bayern will compete for domestic honours while also facing the challenge of the Champions League. With so many matches on the schedule, not only Kane, Musiala and Kimmich will be important, but also players who were further from the starting XI last season.