VfL Bochum 2026/27 season preview: Transfers, pre-season, predicted starting XI and season predictions | OneFootball

A fresh start under Rösler

Bochum’s first season back in the 2. Bundesliga did not unfold as many had hoped, but there is renewed optimism around the Vonovia Ruhrstadion as Uwe Rösler prepares for his first full campaign in charge.

After stabilising the club following a difficult start last season, the former Fortuna Düsseldorf boss now has the opportunity to shape the squad in his own image and guide Bochum towards the upper end of the table.

Looking back at 2025/26

Bochum’s response to relegation began in disastrous fashion. Under Dieter Hecking, they won just one of their opening eight league matches while losing the other seven, leaving the club firmly in the relegation battle.

Rösler arrived in October and quickly transformed Bochum’s fortunes. His side lost just one of his first 15 league games in charge, climbing comfortably away from danger and ultimately finishing ninth with 44 points, seven clear of the relegation zone.

Summer transfers

Bochum have been busy rebuilding their squad this summer, bringing in ten new faces. Nine have arrived on free transfers, while Michael Steinwender joined from Hearts for an undisclosed fee.

In: Karol Mets, Daniel Hanslik, Jean-Manuel Mbom, Christian Rasmussen, Yiğit Karademir, Berkan Taz, Enis Cokaj, Tino Casali and Babis Drakas (all free transfers), Michael Steinwender (Hearts, undisclosed fee).

The arrivals have been necessary given the scale of the squad overhaul. Bochum have parted ways with 17 players, with a combination of expiring contracts, loan departures and permanent transfers forcing another significant rebuild.

Out: Matus Bero, Noah Loosli, Erhan Mašović, Romario Rösch and Samuel Bamba (free agents). Leandro Morgalla, Francis Onyeka, Callum Marshall, Farid Alfa-Ruprecht, Kjell Wätjen, Louis Koster and Luis Hartwig returned to their parent clubs. Cajetan Lenz joined Hoffenheim for €10 million, while Moritz-Broni Kwarteng, Mathis Clairicia and Niclas Thiede departed for undisclosed fees.

Pre-season preparations

Bochum have enjoyed an encouraging pre-season, suffering just one defeat across six friendlies.

Victories over Oberhausen (3-2), Royal Antwerp (1-0) and Swansea City (2-0) were accompanied by draws against Ajax (1-1) and Sheffield United (0-0), with their only setback coming in a 2-0 defeat to Werder Bremen.

The results have reflected the identity Rösler is looking to instil, with the Bochum head coach stating that he wants his side to become “hard to beat” heading into the new campaign.

Predicted starting XI

With so many arrivals and departures, competition for places is likely to remain fierce during the opening weeks of the season.

One player to keep an eye on is 18-year-old winger Alessandro Crimaldi, who has impressed throughout pre-season and could force his way into Rösler’s plans sooner rather than later.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):

Horn; Olsen, Karademir, Steinwender, Wittek; Mbom, Cokaj; Miyoshi, Taz, Crimaldi; Hofmann.

Opening fixtures

Bochum begin their 2. Bundesliga campaign under the Friday night lights at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion against Hertha BSC, a side they remained unbeaten against last season.

A trip to Eintracht Braunschweig follows before they round off the opening month by welcoming newly promoted VfL Osnabrück.

It is a favourable start on paper and offers Bochum a chance to build early momentum after last season’s disastrous opening.

Expectations and prediction

Although the club have not publicly outlined a league target, expectations are that Bochum will compete towards the upper reaches of the table. Rather than discussing promotion, Rösler has focused on building a side that is “hard to beat”, with the squad set to establish its objectives collectively.

On paper, Bochum appears strong while a good squad atmosphere seems evident too. While the departures of several experienced players will be felt, the club have recruited intelligently, adding a balanced mix of proven quality, versatility and youthful potential.

With Rösler now enjoying his first full pre-season and a squad assembled to suit his style of play, Bochum should be capable of challenging for the promotion places. If they can make a positive start against Hertha and Braunschweig, they could quickly establish themselves among the early contenders in what promises to be another highly competitive 2. Bundesliga season.