The Bayern players began their summer training with the return of Lena Oberdorf. After last season’s double, European redemption must follow. In the person of Lena Oberdorf, FCB is looking forward to the “old” new player.
Christoph Niederkofler
All good things come in threes: When Lena Oberdorf stepped onto the club’s campus lawn during Bayern’s first public training session in preparation for the 2026/27 season, there was a sense of optimism. Having recovered from two cruciate ligament ruptures, the German team are now finally looking to attack in their third attempt in Munich – and given the new reality in Munich, they will likely have to be challenged from the start.
Oberdorf: Bayern’s “old” newcomer
In the Munich heat, Oberdorf has so far acted slowly. “I think we can do this for another week and a half and then we’ll be fully integrated into the team,” said the 24-year-old, who completed most of the drills on the training ground but refrained from direct combat.
Oberdorf has been under contract with Bayern for two years. During this period, she celebrated two championships, two cup victories and a Super Cup – she did not play a big role in this title. The 2017 European Under-17 champion has made just eight official appearances for FCB so far, with two cruciate ligament ruptures each setting her back several miles. “We are actually on the right track,” said the midfielder after the most difficult stage of her career. “I don’t want to put any pressure on myself. You just need to relax and see how you feel, how your knee feels, and let everything happen to me.”
Bayern have to deal with Stanway’s departure
The club itself does not want to rush into its star player. However, Oberdorf has a big gap to fill in the team in the long term. After four years of working together, Georgia Stanway closed her representation at Bayern and left eight-time champions Arsenal on a free transfer. The England international was considered the absolute best player; Last season alone, the defensive midfielder scored nine goals and made 13 assists in 40 official matches.
Left back Caroline Simon (Bayer Leverkusen), another experienced player in the squad, was released on a free transfer. However, big names are still missing from those signed: left winger Sarah Mattner and midfielder Sophie Proust were announced as new players, while the transfer of 18-year-old striker Cassandra Pozi was officially announced in December last year. Commitment with a vision – but is it enough for big goals?
Bayern women want to overcome the last hurdle in Europe
Bayern were champions and cup winners last season – but their dream of a European crown did not come true. Barcelona played too strong in the semi-finals (1:1/2:4), and the feeling that they were not enough to achieve success intensified once again. The last obstacle must finally fall. “It’s just a matter of taking this step towards the Champions League final,” said DFB forward Clara Bühl. “We’re basically preparing for it now, working on the details and optimizing things.”
After all: in addition to the “new player” Oberdorf, in the coming weeks the Bavarians can count on two more top players to return to the team and be fundamental along the way. Julia Gwynn is still training individually after having shoulder surgery at the end of May. Sarah Zadrasil is working on her comeback from a torn ACL. There will be no shortage of big names in the team, even without further commitments – whether they will be enough to save Europe will become clear in the hot phase of spring.
Super Cup against Wolfsburg to start the season
After a trip to Asia and two test matches, the Munich women’s first competitive game will take place on August 15 at the Super Cup in Ingolstadt against Wolfsburg. The Bundesliga then starts away at 1. FC Union Berlin (21 August). “We have a lot to do to prepare,” Buhl said. “We are motivated and want to play the same football – ideally a little better.”
Source: Radio BR24, July 16, 2026, 1:54 p.m.
