The 2024-25 Bundesliga season kicks off this Friday with champions Bayer Leverkusen visiting local rivals Borussia Moenchengladbach. Leverkusen’s unbeaten league and cup double last season stunned Bayern Munich, who have again splurged on new talent to reclaim their top spot. Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and Stuttgart have also strengthened their squads. Here are five new faces to keep an eye on in the Bundesliga 2024 this season:
Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Bayern Munich’s biggest signing this summer is Michael Olise, who joined for a reported 53 million euros ($59 million). The 22-year-old winger brings speed and a consistent goal threat. Last season, Olise scored 10 Premier League goals and provided six assists for Crystal Palace. He also won a silver medal with France at the Paris Olympics and is expected to earn a call-up from France’s head coach Didier Deschamps. Olise arrived in Munich alongside Joao Palhinha and Hiroki Ito.
Pascal Gross (Borussia Dortmund)
At 33 years old, Pascal Gross is a surprising but potentially crucial addition for Borussia Dortmund. Known for their focus on young talent, Dortmund has brought in Gross to add creativity and experience to their midfield. After seven successful years with Brighton, where he was twice named player of the season, Gross joins Dortmund with a strong track record. A lifelong Dortmund fan, Gross made his Germany debut at 32 and featured in Euro 2024. He made an immediate impact with two assists in Dortmund’s 4-1 German Cup victory over Phoenix Luebeck.
Aleix Garcia (Bayer Leverkusen)
Bayer Leverkusen has not only retained key players from last season but also added Spain’s Aleix Garcia. Garcia was instrumental in Girona’s surprising third-place finish in La Liga. As a defensive midfielder, he contributed three goals and six assists last season. His addition provides coach Xabi Alonso with more midfield stability and allows Granit Xhaka to share the load. Garcia’s leadership and skills will be vital for Leverkusen as they aim to repeat last season’s success.
Deniz Undav (Stuttgart)
Deniz Undav returns to Stuttgart on a permanent deal after a successful loan spell last season. The German forward was crucial in Stuttgart’s impressive second-place finish, which secured their Champions League return after 14 years. Undav scored a goal just a minute after coming off the bench in the Super Cup clash against Leverkusen. Despite Stuttgart’s penalty loss in the game, Undav was named man of the match for his brief but impactful performance.
Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig)
RB Leipzig hopes Norway’s Antonio Nusa will fill the void left by Dani Olmo’s move to Barcelona. The 19-year-old winger joined Leipzig from Club Brugge for a reported 22 million euros. Nusa previously saw a transfer to Brentford fall through but has now made his mark with a goal in his debut match for Leipzig. He aims to replicate and build on Olmo’s contributions, declaring, “I want to fill those gaps and shine in my own way.”
Conclusion
As the Bundesliga 2024 season begins, these new arrivals are set to make a significant impact. Michael Olise, Pascal Gross, Aleix Garcia, Deniz Undav, and Antonio Nusa each bring unique strengths to their new clubs. Fans can expect exciting performances and potential game-changing moments from these fresh faces. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
