​Bayern Munich have acted swiftly in the summer transfer window, adding two major pieces to their squad: Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt and Ismael Saibari from PSV, each reportedly valued at around €50 million. These signings give the reigning German champions fresh options as they prepare for their first competitive game of the 2026/27 season, a DFL-Supercup clash against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on August 22. With more than a month of preparation remaining, fans and analysts are keen to know how Bayern are likely to line up as they head into the new campaign.
In goal, Manuel Neuer remains the clear first choice after signing a one-year contract extension. However, youngster Jonas Urbig is expected to be given more opportunities to show what he can do throughout the season, signaling the club’s plan to blend experience with emerging talent. At right-back, a battle is underway between Konrad Laimer and Josip Stanisic. Laimer currently appears to hold a slight edge in the race for the starting role, and his versatility to operate in midfield adds to Bayern’s tactical options. Laimer is also anticipated to sign a new contract that would extend beyond 2027, reflecting the club’s intention to secure continuity in their lineup.
In central defence, Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah are set to retain their roles as the preferred pairing, providing stability and defensive balance. The left-back position is more open, with Nathaniel Brown competing with Alphonso Davies for the starting spot. Davies, the Canada captain, will be aiming to regain full fitness ahead of the season in order to reaffirm his status as the first-choice left-back, while Brown’s progress and form could influence the final decision on the role.
Midfield is expected to be anchored by Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic, who continue to be the favored combination in the heart of the park. In attacking options, Michael Olise, Luis Diaz, and Harry Kane are all anticipated to be regular starters, contributing creativity, pace, and goal threat from various zones of the pitch.
The most hotly debated area remains the central attacking midfield position, where Bayern have three high-ceiling contenders contending for a single starting berth: Jamal Musiala, the club’s thrilling new signing Ismael Saibari, and young talent Lennart Karl. Musiala is expected to benefit from a full pre-season as he works to reclaim peak form and is currently projected to begin the season as the leading candidate for that role. Saibari and Karl are both recovering from injuries but are poised to provide strong competition as soon as they are back to full fitness. The situation is echoed on the wings and behind the lone striker, with Serge Gnabry also in the process of returning to full match sharpness following his own injury layoff.
Proposed starting XI for a representative lineup, reflecting current form and anticipated fitness:
Manuel Neuer – Konrad Laimer (with Josip Stanisic as rotation cover), Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Nathaniel Brown (Alphonso Davies on the left if Brown is not ready) – Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic – Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala (Ismael Saibari), Luis Diaz – Harry Kane.
This configuration highlights the potential balance between attacking creativity, width, and the central goal threat provided by Kane, while preserving defensive solidity at centre-back and a reliable goalkeeper. The final decision on the left-back spot, the central attacking midfield role, and the balance between Saibari and Musiala will become clearer as pre-season results and fitness updates unfold. Bayern’s summer business signals a clear intent: to blend proven excellence with fresh, dynamic talents in order to mount a fresh assault on domestic and European ambitions in the 2026/27 season.