2024-25 Bundesliga: Five new faces to watch as the season kicks off

The 2024-25 Bundesliga season is set to start on Friday with an exciting clash between reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen and their local rivals, Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Leverkusen’s impressive unbeaten run, culminating in a league and cup double, has put pressure on perennial champions Bayern Munich.

In response, Bayern has once again led the spending spree in Germany, determined to reclaim their top spot.

Meanwhile, Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund, along with RB Leipzig and Stuttgart, have bolstered their squads, making this season one to watch.

Here are five fresh faces expected to make waves in the league this season

1. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)

Bayern Munich’s most expensive signing this season, Michael Olise, comes with a hefty price tag of €53 million ($59 million).

The 22-year-old forward, known for his speed and goal-scoring ability, joins from Crystal Palace after netting 10 Premier League goals and providing six assists in just 19 appearances last season.

Born in London, Olise also shined at the Paris Olympics, earning a silver medal with France. His impressive form has caught the attention of France’s first-team coach Didier Deschamps, who is expected to call him up soon.

Olise’s arrival in Munich, alongside Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha and defender Hiroki Ito, adds significant firepower to Bayern’s attack.

2. Pascal Gross (Borussia Dortmund)

Pascal Gross’s move to Borussia Dortmund might seem unconventional, given the club’s usual focus on young talent, but the 33-year-old midfielder could be exactly what Dortmund needs.

Known for his creativity and maturity, Gross brings experience and a keen eye for goal to a team that has sometimes struggled with consistency in midfield.

After seven years with Brighton, where he twice won the club’s Player of the Season award, Gross fulfilled a childhood dream by joining Dortmund.

He made an immediate impact, providing two assists in Dortmund’s 4-1 German Cup opener against Phoenix Luebeck. Gross also made his international debut for Germany at 32 and was part of Julian Nagelsmann’s Euro 2024 squad.

3. Aleix Garcia (Bayer Leverkusen)

Bayer Leverkusen’s successful title defense has been bolstered by the addition of Aleix Garcia, the midfield architect behind Girona’s surprising third-place finish in La Liga last season.

Garcia, who captained Girona and scored three goals with six assists in 37 games, offers coach Xabi Alonso additional midfield security.

The 27-year-old Spaniard’s presence will help ease the burden on Granit Xhaka, Leverkusen’s midfield lynchpin, who logged more minutes than any other outfield player last season.

Garcia’s versatility and defensive capabilities will be vital as Leverkusen aims to build on last season’s success.

4. Deniz Undav (Stuttgart)

Deniz Undav may not be a new face at Stuttgart, but his permanent move from Brighton this summer solidifies his role at the club.

Last season, Undav played a crucial role in Stuttgart’s transformation from relegation contenders to Bundesliga runners-up under Sebastian Hoeness.

With key players like Serhou Guirassy and Waldemar Anton leaving for Dortmund and Ito moving to Bayern, Undav’s contribution will be even more critical as Stuttgart returns to the Champions League after 14 years.

He’s already started the season strong, scoring a goal just a minute after coming off the bench in the Super Cup against Leverkusen, where he was named man of the match despite limited playing time.

5. Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig)

RB Leipzig, known for discovering future stars, has high hopes for Norway forward Antonio Nusa, who joined from Club Brugge for €22 million. Nusa’s arrival is seen as a direct response to the departure of Dani Olmo to Barcelona.

At just 19, Nusa is already making a name for himself, scoring on his debut in Leipzig’s 4-1 German Cup win over Essen. A potential breakout star, Nusa aims to fill the void left by Olmo while showcasing his unique style at Leipzig.