The German champions have moved swiftly in the summer market, securing Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt and Ismael Saibari from PSV Eindhoven for approximately €50 million apiece. Both recruits could feature when Bayern face Borussia Dortmund in the DFL-Supercup on August 22, their first competitive fixture of the 2026/27 campaign.
Defensive reinforcements and contract business
Manuel Neuer will continue as first-choice goalkeeper following a one-year contract extension, though Jonas Urbig is expected to receive additional playing time throughout the season. At right-back, Konrad Laimer and Josip Stanisic are competing for the starting position, with the Austria international currently holding a slight advantage. Laimer, who can also operate in midfield, is expected to sign a new contract extending his stay beyond 2027.
In central defence, Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah remain the preferred partnership. The arrival of Brown creates an intriguing contest at left-back, where he will challenge Alphonso Davies for the starting role. The Canada captain is working to regain full fitness ahead of the new season.
Midfield balance and attacking depth
Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlović are set to continue their midfield partnership. In attack, Michael Olise, Luis Díaz and Harry Kane are considered guaranteed starters. The central attacking midfield position presents the selection dilemma, with Jamal Musiala, new signing Saibari and prospect Lennart Karl all competing for one starting spot. Musiala is currently expected to begin the season as first choice, benefiting from a full pre-season programme.
Injury concerns cloud preparations
Bayern’s preparations have been complicated by fitness issues. Saibari and Karl are both recovering from injuries, while Serge Gnabry is also working his way back to full fitness. The trio will provide additional competition once they return to training, though their availability for the Supercup remains uncertain.
The clash against Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park offers an early test of Vincent Kompany’s tactical setup and provides the first silverware opportunity of the campaign. With more than a month until kick-off, the coaching staff will assess how quickly the injured players recover before finalising their starting eleven.