The upcoming 2025/26 campaign will be a litmus test for Bayern Munich as they need to defend their Bundesliga crown, whilst also making a deep push at the continental stage.
However, the German champions have struggled to convince their targets to move to Bavaria this summer, which has made life tough for manager Vincent Kompany.
While it’s concerning that Bayern are yet to sign an attacking player this summer, it is also an opportunity for the junior team players to step up ahead of the new season.
The Bavarians have some talented players featuring in their junior team right now, and in a time of need, at least a couple of them can make the jump into the senior team.
Looking at Bayern’s summer transfer business until now, it seems like they may not spend big, and it opens up avenues for the youngsters to get more gametime.
The Sporting News takes a look at four Bayern Munich players who could shine in the preseason fixtures building up to the 2025/26 season.
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Tom Bischof
Bischof is one of the most highly-rated midfielders in Germany right now. The 20-year-old had a stellar 2024/25 campaign with Hoffenheim.
Hailed as the future star of Germany and Bayern Munich, Bischof was one of the best players in his position last season in the Bundesliga.
The German midfield maestro is a complete box-to-box style player who excels in his passing range, close control and ability to win back possession in midfield.
After already bossing the Bundesliga last season, Bischof will look to make his mark for Bayern Munich in the preseason.
Jonah Kusi-Asare
Jonah Kusi-Asare made his senior team debut last season when he came on as a substitute against Mainz in a Bundesliga clash.
He also travelled with the team to the United States for the Club World Cup and while he didn’t get much opportunity, he is someone to watch out for in the preseason.
The Swedish forward is often compared to his compatriot Alexander Isak due to his tall, slim build and nationality.
He has been rapidly rising through the ranks in Bavaria and has appeared in many Regionalliga matches whilst being a regular in the UEFA Youth League squad.
If Bayern decide not to sign a backup striker to Harry Kane this summer, Kusi-Asare could be an option, that is, if he impresses Kompany during the preseason fixtures.
Adam Aznou
Adam Aznou was a part of the fabled La Masia before he moved to Bayern Munich in 2022 in search of more gametime.
While in terms of gametime, he hasn’t yet made his mark as he has had limited opportunities for Bayern during the Club World Cup.
However, there’s no denying that Aznou has the quality to succeed at Bayern as he proved his mettle during his loan stint with Real Valladolid last season.
Kompany has publicly admitted the Moroccan’s quality, but the 19-year-old needs to continue his development to feature more regularly for the German giants.
There have been rumours of him moving to Spain due to lack of opportunities, but if he decides to continue, the preseason will be extremely crucial for the left-back.
Lennart Karl
One of the highest-rated players from the Bayern Munich academy, Lennart Karl, could be the game-changer for Kompany.
🚨🧨 Lennart Karl is expected to be Michael Olise’s backup on the right wing next season !
The 17-year-old will earn a permanent spot in the first team and will need to seize opportunities to earn more playing time. 💫
(🗞️ @FrankLinkesch) pic.twitter.com/80jJWt7VUb
— Bayern Focus (@FCBayernFocus) July 16, 2025
Karl, who made his professional senior team debut for Bayern against Auckland FC in the Club World Cup, could be Bayern’s answer for wide areas.
The 17-year-old had an incredible 45 goal contributions to his name across just 30 appearances for the club at the youth level in the 2024/25 campaign.
The Club World Cup appearance was a reward for the teenage sensation following his heroics at the youth level.
As per Kicker, Karl could take up a permanent spot in the first team as Michael Olise’s backup on the right flank.
Bayern Munich’s 2025/26 preseason schedule
Bayern Munich will not continue with their annual training camp in Tegernsee/Rottach-Egern due to a tight post FIFA Club World Cup schedule.
The preseason schedule for 2025/26 starts on July 28, and they will play friendlies against Lyon, Tottenham and Grasshoppers.
| Opponent | Date | Venue |
| Olympique Lyon | August 2 |
Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany |
| Tottenham | August 7 |
Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany |
| Grasshoppers Zurich | August 12 |
Stadion Letzigrun, Zurich, Switzerland |
Bayern will face VfB Stuttgart in the Frank Beckenbauer German Super Cup on August 16 at the MHP Arena.
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