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

In winter, all clubs have one last opportunity this season to address any potential errors in squad planning and make adjustments. We took a look at all 18 Bundesliga teams 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 the point of this squad planning? Reinforcements are needed everywhere, especially due to the additional international burden. Particularly a striker is 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 use some reinforcement, especially in defense, particularly 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 have each scored only once here, and the latter apparently wants 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 already very well positioned, but a bit more speed in midfield wouldn't hurt. Some of the starting lineup candidates like Arnold, Eriksen, and Majer are not exactly known for their top speed.

Hamburger SV

HSV, like many Bundesliga clubs, is plagued by striker problems. The existing ones in Hamburg are either permanently injured (Glatzel, Poulsen) or completely out of form (Königsdörffer). A good finisher for the strong HSV midfield could be the key to a comfortable survival in the league.

Borussia Mönchengladbach

It's no secret that the Foals have significant 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 the 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 discussed.

📸 SASCHA SCHUERMANN - AFP or licensors

SV Werder Bremen

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

SC Freiburg

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

Union Berlin

In the summer, central defender Danilo Doekhi will leave the Iron Ones, and colleague Diego Leite is also likely to go, possibly even this winter. 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 for Ebnoutalib is already imminent.

📸 KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV - AFP or licensors

VfB Stuttgart

Stuttgart's central defense is actually well-staffed but also very injury-prone (Zagadou, Jaquez, Al-Dakhil). Another new signing with "starting player" 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. They need to clear out some players before signing anyone else.

RB Leipzig

Leipzig recently lacked some depth in central midfield due to the absences of Banzuzi, Ouedraogo, and Kampl. Perhaps a loan could help here.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen

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

📸 PAU BARRENA - AFP or licensors

Borussia Dortmund

BVB has one of the smallest squads in the league and needs reinforcements both quantitatively and qualitatively. Especially in midfield, they need reinforcements 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 lost significant 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