There has only been one certainty about the Bundesliga over the past decade.
That is, regardless what happens, Bayern Munich will almost certainly be crowned champions.
11 titles in a row from 2013-2023 was proof of that and, on many occasions, their challengers were not even close in the race to be Germany’s number one.
The Bavarians deserve great respect for that achievement, even while acknowledging their ability to snap up so many of their rivals’ star men which provided them with the perfect platform to continue dominating.
The last two years, however, have been different.
For example, had Borussia Dortmund held their nerve 15 months ago, Bayern would have had to settle for second spot.
Then last season they were, quite simply, blown out of the water by the ‘invincibles’ of Bayer Leverkusen.
In fact, a last day setback meant Bayern even had the ignominy of being pipped for second spot as Stuttgart pushed them into third place.
Despite all this, the majority, including our own SBOTOP Bundesliga 2024 betting odds, make them favourites to reclaim the crown going into the season.
It is hardly a surprise given the already talented Bavarians have been further strengthened this summer, most notably with the arrival of two players from the English Premier League.
Joao Palhinha has signed a four-year contract until June 2028 for £42.3 million—the 28-year-old Portugal international joining the German giants a year after their initial deal to attract him from Fulham collapsed.
In addition, there is also Michael Olise who has been snapped up from Crystal Palace on a five year deal.
To prove the earlier point about Bayern’s ability to take players from their domestic rivals, they have also acquired the services of Japan defender Hiroki Ito, whilst kitting out young prospects Josip Stanišić—a title-winner with Leverkusen last term—and Arijon Ibrahimović with new deals.
A left-sided centre-back, Japan international Ito showed many qualities as he helped Stuttgart claim the runners-up spot.
Let us also remember in their ranks is Harry Kane, who ended his debut season only five short of equalling Robert Lewandowski’s 41-goal record in a single campaign.
With Bundesliga 2024 highlights aplenty, he could have done no more for his club last term, and the England captain will lead the line again.
So, Bayern remain the team to beat, right?
Well, yes, if you consider resources, but no, if you account for the quite brilliant job Xabi Alonso did at champions Leverkusen.
For they are the side which not only toppled the mighty Bayern Munich but also won the DFB-Pokal, whilst going unbeaten in a German record 40 domestic games over the course of a near-flawless campaign.
Was it a one-off, or are Alonso’s men the new touchstone of German football? We are about to find out.
They’ll take some stopping. especially after retaining the services of star players like Alejandro Grimaldo and Florian Wirtz.
This summer has also been smooth in the transfer market. The signings of Aleix García, Martin Terrier and Jeanuël Belocian have all been done well in advance of the start of the season to strengthen their ranks.
What made last season’s domestic unbeaten run all the more remarkable is that it was achieved without a squad packed with world-famous stars.
If the likes of Grimaldo, Victor Boniface, Jeremie Frimpong and co can reproduce such form, there is no reason why can’t they be top dogs again.
Elsewhere, there is plenty to look out for.
RB Leipzig will probably edge into the top four, helped by Dutch attacking diamond Xavi—on another season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain—but the loss of Spain midfield maestro Dani Olmo to Barcelona is a big blow.
Xavi enjoyed a superb loan campaign with the Saxony-based side in 2023/24, netting 10 goals and providing 15 assists in all competitions as Leipzig finished in fourth place.
And it’s all change at Borussia Dortmund who did very well to reach last season’s Champions League Final, even if it’s widely acknowledged they took advantage of a kind draw in the knockout stages.
Since then, fan-favourite Nuri Şahin has replaced Edin Terzić as head coach, and Marco Reus and Mats Hummels have moved on.
Like Bayern, they have also plundered Stuttgart for centre back Waldemar Anton. The 27-year-old was Die Schwaben’s captain and missed just one league match to guide his team to the runners-up position.
More tellingly, they have also raided Stuttgart for the highly rated Serhou Guirassy.
Only Kane scored more goals across Europe’s top five leagues last season than the Guinea international, who struck his 28 in as many Bundesliga outings in a superb campaign.
I suspect Dortmund will be in the mix for third and fourth place (with Stuttgart too depleted to repeat their achievements) but no higher, even if the signing of Pascal Gross from Brighton appears to be another astute move.
Taking of Brighton, they have secured the services of Fabian Hurzeler as manager from newly promoted St. Pauli.
After 13 years in Bundesliga 2, the boys in brown are back with Germany’s ultimate cult club returning to the big time as sole top-flight representatives of Hamburg – the country’s second largest city – after winning Bundesliga 2 ahead of northern rivals Holstein Kiel.
They will both be welcome additions as they look to defy the odds and stay in the top flight.
Germany’s top table also outstrips its continental counterparts for goals per game and sky-high average attendances, whilst being home to up-and-coming world talents and established stars alike. No wonder the Bundesliga should have even more bounce in the new campaign—at top and bottom. To me, it will be the most exciting league of all.
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