Sleep now, pay later: Where your Bundesliga club must strengthen urgently! | OneFootball

In winter, all clubs have one last chance this season to correct any mistakes in squad planning and make adjustments. We took a look at all 18 Bundesliga clubs to see where there is the most need for improvement. So pay attention, dear sports directors!

1. FSV Mainz 05

Oh dear Mainz, what was this squad planning all about? There is a real need for reinforcement everywhere, especially due to the additional international burden. A striker is particularly needed, as the hopefuls Weiper and Hollerbach (10 million euros transfer fee in the summer!!!) both stand at 0 Bundesliga goals. A dreadful record.

1. FC Heidenheim

Heidenheim could really use some reinforcement in defense, especially in the full-back positions. Elias Baum (Frankfurt) and Leonidas Stergiou (Stuttgart) were recently considered candidates for a loan. Both would fit well in Heidenheim, especially the young Baum.

FC St. Pauli

At St. Pauli, there is currently talk of the return of offensive player Morgan Guilavogui from Lens and the signing of central defender Tomoya Ando. Both would suit the Kiezkickers very well in the relegation battle.

FC Augsburg

The FCA also urgently needs reinforcements in the central attack. Samuel Essende and Philipp Tietz each scored only once here, and the latter seems to want to leave the club. The only question is who, as a repeatedly discussed return of Mergim Berisha is reportedly no longer an issue according to the 'Augsburger Allgemeine'.

VfL Wolfsburg

Wolfsburg is generally already very well positioned, but a bit more speed in midfield certainly wouldn't hurt. Some of the starting lineup candidates like Arnold, Eriksen, and Majer are not exactly known for their top speed.

Hamburger SV

Like many Bundesliga clubs, HSV also suffers from striker problems. The existing ones at Hamburg are either constantly injured (Glatzel, Poulsen) or completely out of form (Königsdörffer). A good recipient for the strong HSV midfield could be the key to a comfortable survival in the league.

Borussia Mönchengladbach

It's no news that the Foals have particularly large gaps in defense, which has already been publicly noted by the new sports director Rouven Schröder. The central defense and the left side are particularly areas that should be addressed in winter.

1. FC Köln

The Rhinelanders have to deal with some defensive concerns after the serious injuries to Kilian and Hübers. Ex-Cologne player Bournauw was recently considered a candidate, who would be much more recommendable than Brackelmann from Paderborn, who is also being considered.

📸 SASCHA SCHUERMANN - AFP or licensors

SV Werder Bremen

The big issue in Bremen is also the attack. The young Topp and Njinmah have so far been just as unconvincing as the injury-plagued Boniface. A new number nine is a must for the winter, otherwise, it could get really tough for Werder and especially coach Horst Steffen.

SC Freiburg

Due to the injuries of Lienhart and Rosenfelder, veteran Anthony Jung recently had to step in several times in central defense - and made costly mistakes in several matches. If they want to reach the international places again this season, there is definitely potential for improvement in defense.

Union Berlin

In the summer, central defender Danilo Doekhi will leave the Iron Ones and colleague Diego Leite will probably also go, maybe even this winter. So Union will not be able to avoid signing a new central defender, ideally closing this gap now.

Eintracht Frankfurt

The SGE squad currently has numerous gaps, especially in the defensive midfield and attack, where reinforcements are urgently needed. Especially if mega-flop Wahi leaves the club. Currently, Elversberg's Ebnoutalib and Arnaud Kalimuendo are considered possible candidates. According to 'Sky' and 'Bild', a transfer of Ebnoutalib is already imminent.

📸 KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV - AFP or licensors

VfB Stuttgart

Stuttgart's central defense is actually well-staffed but also very prone to injuries (Zagadou, Jaquez, Al-Dakhil). Another newcomer with "starting lineup" level would not be a bad idea here - especially considering the Europa League.

TSG Hoffenheim

With 33 players according to 'Transfermarkt.de', TSG Hoffenheim has the largest squad in the league. Here, it's first necessary to clear out a bit before anyone else is signed.

RB Leipzig

In Leipzig, there was recently a bit of a gap in central midfield due to the absences of Banzuzi, Ouedraogo, and Kampl. Maybe a loan could help here.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen

In Leverkusen, there is really only one issue, namely the goalkeeper position. Mark Flekken only joined last summer but has already proven often enough that he simply cannot be relied upon.

📸 PAU BARRENA - AFP or licensors

Borussia Dortmund

BVB has one of the smallest squads in the league and needs reinforcement not only quantitatively but also qualitatively. Especially in midfield, they need reinforcement in the form of a classic number 6 and number 10. Dortmund hardly has either type in the squad and would be preempting any potential departures.

FC Bayern Munich

The Munich squad is thinly staffed in some areas, particularly on the left wing. Currently, only Luis Diaz is making waves there, as Serge Gnabry has significantly lost speed and shines more in the center. A hungry competitor for the Colombian could be beneficial.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 Christian Kaspar-Bartke - 2025 Getty Images