The upcoming 2025/26 campaign will be a litmus test for Bayern Munich as they aim to defend their Bundesliga crown, whilst also making a consistent push for glory in the UEFA Champions League.
However, the German champions have struggled to convince their targets to move to Bavaria this summer, which has made life tough for Vincent Kompany.
While it's concerning that Bayern Munich are yet to sign an attacking player this summer, it's also an opportunity for their youth team players to step up ahead of the new season.
Kompany has stacks of talented players within his underage ranks, and in his time of need, at least a couple of them can make the jump to the first team.
After so much frustration in the transfer market, it seems like they may not spend big on marquee players, which opens up avenues for youngsters to get more game time.
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 a future star of Germany and Bayern Munich, Bischof was one of the best players in his position last season in the Bundesliga.
The German midfielder is a complete box-to-box style player who excels in his passing range, close control and ability to win back possession.
After already bossing the Bundesliga in 2024/25, Bischof will look to make his mark for Bayern Munich in preseason.
Jonah Kusi-Asare
Jonah Kusi-Asare made his senior team debut last season when he came on as a substitute against Mainz in the Bundesliga.
He also travelled with the team to the United States for the Club World Cup, and while he didn't get much of an opportunity, he's someone to watch out for.
The Swedish forward is often compared to his compatriot Alexander Isak due to his tall, slim build and eye for goal.
He's been rapidly rising through the ranks in Bavaria and 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, if he impresses Kompany in these 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 senior action.
While in terms of game time, he hasn't yet made his mark, as he also had limited opportunities at the Club World Cup.
There's no denying Aznou has the quality to succeed at Bayern Munich and he proved his mettle in 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 back to Spain, due to a lack of opportunities, but if he decides to continue, preseason will be 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 !
— Bayern Focus (@FCBayernFocus) July 16, 2025
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
Karl, who made his professional senior team debut for Bayern Munich against Auckland FC in the Club World Cup, could be Bayern's answer in 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 season.
The Club World Cup appearance was a reward for the teenage sensation following his heroics at 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 |
| Lyon | August 2 | Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany |
| Tottenham | August 7 | Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany |
| Grasshoppers | 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.
Bayern Munich news and related links
- Bayern Munich's 2025/26 preseason: Fixtures, squad updates and transfers
- Jose Mourinho gives green light to push for Bayern Munich forward
- Giovane Elber urges Bayern Munich to push for South Americans by naming Real Madrid star