Bundesliga summer transfer XI
Harry Kane, Min-jae Kim, Granit Xhaka and Leonardo Bonucci are just some of the star signings to make the cut in our talented ensemble of Bundesliga new boys...
Alexander Nübel (VfB Stuttgart)
Having been long viewed as an heir to Manuel Neuer, former Schalke goalkeeper Nübel is back in the Bundesliga for the first time in three seasons after completing a loan move to Stuttgart from Bayern Munich. The sensational young talent of old has matured into an experienced 26-year-old shot-stopper after two seasons out on loan to French Ligue 1 outfit Monaco and he now gets to remind everyone of his abilities as Stuttgart's No.1.
Defenders
Danish international Maehle was snapped up by Wolfsburg in the summer from Atalanta, an Italian side known for sweeping up top hidden talents from around Europe. The speedy full-back has already proved to be an extremely shrewd bit of business, helping to inspire Wolfsburg to two wins to start the season with. He completed an impressive 58 sprints in those opening two fixtures, and with compatriot Jonas Wind netting four goals, it has been a promising start to the season all around for Wolfsburg fans.
Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich)
They called him 'The Monster' at his former club, Napoli, and the steely South Korean has certainly provided a formidable presence in the Bayern defence already this season. Fresh after inspiring the Neapolitans to their first Serie A title in 33 years, Kim is looking every bit the real deal that Bayern fans hoped for and promises to be a vital foundation to their bid for an incredible 12th consecutive Bundesliga title.
Leonardo Bonucci (Union Berlin)
Union Berlin fans were left collectively pinching themselves on transfer deadline day when news broke that legendary Italian defender Leonardo Bonucci was swapping Juventus for the German capital. The Italy captain is one of the most respected and decorated players in world football. His vast experience and incredible defensive knowledge is certain to be a boon for the Berlin side and a sheer pleasure for Bundesliga fans.
Robin Gosens (Union Berlin)
There had already been great excitement at Union's ambitious summer transfer business, but the arrival of Robin Gosens from Inter Milan days before the Bundesliga season started in August took things to another level. Gosens had to beat an elongated path to the top of the game via the Dutch lower leagues and Eredivisie but became a Germany international at Atalanta and Inter Milan in Italy's Serie A. The roving left-back has taken to his first season in the Bundesliga in incredible style, smashing two goals on his first start as Union beat Darmstadt 4-1.
Naby Keita returned to the Bundesliga in June, joining Werder Bremen on a free transfer from Liverpool. A UEFA Champions League and Premier League winner at Anfield, the Guinean midfielder nonetheless struggled to hit the same heights that he had at RB Leipzig. If Bremen can rediscover the player of old after his groin injury, Grün-Weißen fans can afford to get very excited indeed.
Marcel Sabitzer (Borussia Dortmund)
Marcel Sabitzer swapped Bayern for Borussia Dortmund after impressing on loan at Manchester United in the second half of last season. The Austrian, who made his name alongside Keita at Leipzig, has slotted straight into BVB's midfield and is, alongside Niklas Süle, part of a rising trend of players swapping the Allianz Arena for the Signal Iduna Park.
Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen)
Bayer Leverkusen enjoyed a fine summer, recruiting Jonas Hofmann, Alex Grimaldo and Victor Boniface from Borussia Mönchengladbach, Benfica and Union SG respectively whilst warding off interest in Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, but perhaps their biggest coup was signing former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka from the Gunners. Has been central - quite literally - to their bright start to the season.
Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig)
Paris Saint-Germain exercised their buy-back on Xavi Simons this summer, re-signing the youngster from PSV Eindhoven where he had tallied 19 goals and eight assists in the Eredivisie last term. Made available for loan, he chose RB Leipzig as his next destination, and it has so far been a great decision for player and club, with a goal and two provisions from his first two league outings alone.
Watch: Newboys Simons and Openda star in MD2 mauling of VfB Stuttgart
Want more Bundesliga Action?
Forwards
Lois Openda (RB Leipzig)
Xavi wasn't the only player to arrive at the Red Bull Arena from Ligue 1 this summer - far from it with Castello Lukeba and El Chadaille Bitshiabu also signed from Lyon and PSG respectively - but former Lens striker Lois Openda is the one striking the most fear into opposition defenders, with goals in each of his first two Bundesliga appearances.
Watch: Harry Kane - tactical analysis
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Last on this list, but about as far away from least as is humanly imaginable, is Harry Kane, who swapped Tottenham Hotspur for Bayern just in time for the start of the season. The England captain has plundered three goals and one assist at a rate of one every 44 Bundesliga minutes he has played thus far, and Bayern finally look to have found their Robert Lewandowski successor.
Related news
How do Bayern and Leipzig stack up?
Bayern take on recent rivals Leipzig in their final game before the winter break. The record champions vs. the young pretenders - how do they compare?
Bundesliga top scorer's race
Harry Kane top scored with 36 goals last season, but there is a wealth of attacking talents ready to vie for his crown in 2024/25...
How will the 2026 World Cup work?
Bundesliga stars will be vying for the game's greatest international honour in the USA, Canada and Mexico - here's how it will all work.