While many football players are enjoying their summer break, Bundesliga club managers are deep in planning. How can squads be strengthened to meet tactical needs and positional gaps? This article offers recommendations for potential signings, suggesting players who could address specific requirements at various clubs across the league.
1. FC Köln
FC Köln has already bolstered their attack significantly with Ragnar Ache and Isak Johannesson, but they still need defensive players with proven Bundesliga capability. The name Jordan Torunarigha has frequently been linked with the Cologne-based club, suggesting he could be a suitable addition.
Hamburger SV
Hamburger SV requires greater stability in defense. Despite being only 21 years old, Clemens Riedel is already the captain at Darmstadt. He offers the physical presence and potential needed for the Bundesliga, which seems to be his likely next career step anyway.
1. FC Heidenheim
Frank Schmidt`s team needs to enhance its effectiveness in front of goal. Rayan Philippe has shown he can create scoring opportunities from limited situations. The Braunschweig player is reportedly available for around two million euros. Heidenheim could potentially secure his signing if clubs like Werder and HSV fail to convince the French forward.
TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
Hoffenheim urgently needs to improve their defensive solidity. Armel Bella-Kotchap is reportedly looking for a return to the Bundesliga and, from his time at Bochum, understands the demands of rigorous defensive work in Germany.
1. FC Union Berlin
Union Berlin`s right-back position lacks depth if coach Steffen Baumgart intends to consistently deploy his preferred back four formation. Competition for the experienced Christopher Trimmel (38) could come from Schalke`s 19-year-old Taylan Bulut. The youngster demonstrated at Schalke that he would fit well into Baumgart`s system, which emphasizes wide play.
FC St. Pauli
To improve their attack, which was often considered lacking last season, St. Pauli needs more creativity and offensive firepower. Johan Manzambi excels in this area. The promising Freiburg player is likely only available on loan. The Swiss international newcomer could gain valuable playing time at Millerntor ahead of the World Cup, which would also benefit St. Pauli.
FC Augsburg
Jonas Hofmann has recently found himself on the bench at Leverkusen. According to `kicker`, Augsburg is said to be interested in him. However, the player reportedly wants to wait and see how he fits into the plans of the new coach, Erik ten Hag.
VfL Wolfsburg
VfL Wolfsburg is also in urgent need of a new head coach. According to his own statements, Jakup Neestrup is in regular contact with Wolves manager Peter Christiansen. The two know each other from their time together at FC Copenhagen, where Neestrup is currently employed. Establishing unity at the top would be a welcome change for Wolfsburg.
Borussia Mönchengladbach
Relegated Holstein Kiel is rumored to be bringing in Shuto Machino to add more variability to their attack. `Sky` reports intensive talks with the Japanese player. Kiel is reportedly demanding six million euros as compensation.
VfB Stuttgart
With Enzo Millot reportedly wanting to leave, Stuttgart could look to Nuremberg again for reinforcement. Similar to Finn Jeltsch, Casper Jander offers significant development potential, both on the field and as a future financial asset.
Werder Bremen
Oliver Burke has already departed, and Marvin Ducksch is expected to follow. A new striker could be someone very familiar to the new coach, Horst Steffen. Hoffenheim loanee Fisnik Asllani scored 18 goals under Steffen for Elversberg in League 2. To secure his signing and potentially return to European competition, Werder would likely need to invest a considerable sum.
FSV Mainz 05
While Benedict Hollerbach has arrived as a replacement for Jonathan Burkardt upfront, the defense still needs strengthening for potential European challenges. With his pace and experience, the available Bochum defender Bernardo could be the missing piece in their defensive puzzle.
RB Leipzig
On paper, RB Leipzig possesses a strong squad, but they currently lack a head coach. Options like Oliver Glasner and Cesc Fabregas are likely unavailable. Danny Röhl comes from the RB setup, had a successful spell at Sheffield Wednesday, and is motivated to `measure himself against the best`. This could be a good match for Leipzig.
SC Freiburg
Freiburg aims to further enhance their offense for European competitions. Consequently, Igor Matanovic has recently been a logical subject of transfer discussions in the Breisgau region.
Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund is also searching for another creative midfielder. Ardon Jashari is reportedly the desired player of coach Niko Kovac. The 22-year-old was recently voted the best player in the Belgian league for FC Brugge. Naturally, competition for his signature and the rumored transfer fee (around 30 million euros) are high.
Eintracht Frankfurt
Should Hugo Ekitiké leave Frankfurt this summer, Jonathan Burkardt is seen as the likely successor. According to media reports, the Mainz player has already agreed terms. Eintracht boss Wolfgang Steubing told `Bild`, “If Burkardt comes to us, I would be very happy personally. Because he is a good addition to our attack, he is able to score goals.”
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen needs to compensate for the probable departure of Florian Wirtz. As a potential replacement for the playmaker, `Der Westen` recently suggested Leipzig`s Xavi Simons. The necessary funds would likely be available following Wirtz`s anticipated transfer.
Bayern München
Florian Wirtz won`t be joining, Thomas Müller is no longer playing, and Leroy Sané and Kingsley Coman are likely to leave. The champions are looking for reinforcements in attack, and a strong link points towards Rafael Leão, who is known for his pace and preference for attacking from the left wing towards goal.
