News Focus
- Leon Goretzka will make his final home appearance for Bayern Munich after eight years at the club.
- Saïd El Mala could be playing his last match for Cologne amid strong transfer links to the Premier League.
- Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann will attend to scout players ahead of the World Cup.
- Manuel Neuer features in the provisional national squad, sparking rumours of a international comeback.
- Bayern use this fixture as final preparation for next week’s DFB-Pokal final against Stuttgart.
Bayern Munich host 1. FC Köln this Saturday for the final matchday of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. Although the championship trophy is already secured, the clash at the Allianz Arena promises plenty of emotion and talking points.
The main focus rests on Leon Goretzka. The Germany midfielder will leave the Bavarian giants this summer after eight successful seasons. Supporters have shown immense appreciation for the 30-year-old since his exit was confirmed last month. Head coach Vincent Kompany will hand him a starting role, giving fans one final opportunity to celebrate his contributions since 2018.
Bayern view this fixture as their final rehearsal before next week’s DFB-Pokal final against Stuttgart. However, Kompany must balance the need for match sharpness with player safety. With the World Cup taking place this year, the Belgian manager cannot afford unnecessary injuries to key personnel.
For the visitors, the spotlight turns to young attacker Saïd El Mala. The talented forward is attracting serious interest from clubs in the Premier League. Several English sides are monitoring his situation ahead of the summer window. This could therefore mark his farewell appearance for the Billy Goats. The Moroccan-born player will be eager to impress against the champions.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann will watch El Mala closely from the stands. The 23-year-old hopes to force his way into the provisional World Cup squad. Nagelsmann recently named a 55-man shortlist that surprisingly includes veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Speculation is growing that the 40-year-old could follow Toni Kroos’ example and return for one last major international tournament.
Neuer was expected to bid farewell to the Allianz Arena this weekend. However, fresh reports suggest the captain is ready to extend his contract by another season. His future remains a major talking point alongside the transfer rumours surrounding El Mala.
In terms of team news, Bayern will be without Alphonso Davies and Serge Gnabry as they continue their recovery from injuries. Kompany may rotate his squad, with Raphaël Guerreiro and Nicolas Jackson possibly earning starts alongside the departing Goretzka.
Cologne travel to Munich without Ragnar Ache and Tom Krauß. Their defensive unit returns to full strength for the difficult away fixture.
Predicted Line-ups:
Bayern Munich: Urbig – Stanišić, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer – Kimmich, Goretzka – Olise, Musiala, Díaz – Kane
1. FC Köln: Schwäbe – Sebulonsen, Simpson-Pusey, Özkacar – Maina, Jóhannesson, Martel, Lund – Kamiński, El Mala – Bülter