Bayern Munich have confirmed that Tom Bischof will inherit the number 8 shirt from Leon Goretzka starting with the 2026/27 season. The 21-year-old midfielder steps into the jersey vacated by the Germany international, who departs the Allianz Arena this summer upon the expiry of his contract following an eight-year spell with the Bavarian giants.
From 20 to 8
Bischof moved to the Bundesliga champions during a FIFA-sanctioned transfer window for the Club World Cup last summer. He wore the number 20 during his debut campaign, registering three goals and three assists from 39 matches across all competitions. The versatile midfielder now moves to a more prestigious squad number as he enters his second season at the club, signalling his integration into the first-team setup.
This marks a return to the number 8 for Bischof, who sported the same digit during the 2021/22 campaign with Hoffenheim’s Under-19 outfit. He earned recognition as a Fritz Walter Gold medallist in the Under-19 category while developing at his former club, an award that recognises the finest young talents in German football. His progression from Hoffenheim’s academy to Bayern’s senior squad illustrates his steady development at the top level.
International omission
Despite his steady progress and regular appearances for Bayern, Bischof did not secure a place in Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany squad for the World Cup. The national team manager opted against including the all-arounder in his tournament plans, leaving the midfielder to focus on his club development during the summer.
The shirt assignment signals Bischof’s growing importance within Vincent Kompany’s setup as the club transitions from Goretzka’s era. The number carries significant weight at Bayern, and handing it to the young midfielder suggests the coaching staff view him as a long-term successor in that position. Goretzka’s departure concludes a successful chapter, during which he established himself as a key figure in the centre of the park for the German champions.