Hot prospects feature in BL2 transfer XI

Goalkeeper

Dennis Seimen (Paderborn): Paderborn are known to have changed their first-choice goalkeeper several times over the last few seasons, but new boss Ralf Kettemann will be hoping to have now found a man who can be a regular presence between the sticks. U20 national team goalkeeper Seimen has joined on loan from Stuttgart for the season. Despite being just 19 years of age, Seimen already has the experience of 57 appearances across both the 3. Liga and Regionalliga. Paderborn fans should be delighted with this true gem of a goalkeeper!

Defence

Leandro Morgalla (Bochum): Following relegation, Bochum have made major reinforcements, especially in defense. Their new right-back - German U21 international Morgalla - has joined on loan from Salzburg. The 20-year-old is already familiar with German football, having made 42 appearances with 1860 Munich before his 19th birthday. Now, he's aiming for a breakout Bundesliga 2 campaign the Ruhr club.

Timo Becker (Schalke): Although he was on a different club's books until this summer, there can be no doubt that few players love the Royal Blues as much as Becker. Time and again, the versatile defender was spotted in the stands at Schalke fixtures whenever he wasn’t playing for former outfit Holstein Kiel. He returns to his beloved club with 60 Bundesliga and 71 Bundesliga 2 appearances to his name, with his experience expected to help stabilise the defence. After leading his side out onto the field as captain during a pre-season friendly, the 28-year-old professed: “Playing for Schalke is something special.”

>>> Who's captaining your Bundesliga 2 side for 2025/26?

Kevin Vogt (Bochum): It's hard to ignore the experience that Vogt will bring to Bochum's backline, having made 353 career top-flight appearances prior to his move back to his boyhood club. The Ruhr club will likely occupy the role of favourites more often than not this season, which plays to Vogt's strengths. The centre-back has excellent technique and is very adept at building up play from the back.

Watch: Schalke to host Hertha Berlin in Bundesliga 2 opener 

Maurice Neubauer (Hannover 96): By signing Neubauer, Hannover are making a real statement. The left-back joins the Reds' ranks after a season as a key player for an Elversberg side that narrowly missed out on promotion in the play-offs. It’s a clear signal of what Hannover are aiming for this season: to be in with a shot of Bundesliga promotion.

Midfield

Kasper Davidsen (Holstein Kiel): Young Danish defensive midfielder Davidsen is expected to strengthen the Storks’ engine room at the heart of midfield after leaving his hometown of Aalborg for the first time, where he was a regular starter last season. At Kiel, 20-year-old Davidsen will be tasked with filling the void left by former captain and veteran Lewis Holtby. “Kasper combines precise passing, pace, and excellent technical skills with endurance and a physical presence,” said Kiel sporting director Olaf Rebbe.

>>> Find out all the Bundesliga 2 incomings and outgoings from this summer's window in our overview!

Watch: Kiel players have day at the ballpark in Minnesota

Semih Şahin (Kaiserslautern): The upcoming 2025/26 could once again spell a promotion battle for Şahin, after he narrowly missed out on going up via the play-offs with Elversberg last season. He's not had to move far, however, trading Saarland for nearby Lautern. Born in Mannheim, he’s now living even closer to home and could prove to be a key player in central midfield for the Red Devils this season.

>>> Find out all the Bundesliga 2 incomings and outgoings from this summer's window in our overview! 

Christian Rasmussen (Fortuna Düsseldorf): Rasmussen joined Ajax as a talented youth player, aged just 16 before later spending a spell on loan at his boyhood club Nordsjaelland, where he once again impressed. At 22, he already has 60 senior professional appearances under his belt, as well as 85 for Ajax’s youth team. Sporting director Klaus Allofs said of the Dane: “We see a lot of potential in him and are happy that we were able to convince a player of his quality to join our project.”

Watch: Get ready for the new Bundesliga 2 season!

Jonas Therkelsen (Holstein Kiel): The Storks have a history of success when signing players from Scandinavia and have made a second signing from the region this summer in Therkelsen. The Norwegian is a out-and-out playmaker, adept at creating plenty of scoring chances. “He’s a technically skilled and tactically intelligent player who also brings pace and intensity. Jonas knows how to set up his teammates and stands out as a team player,” said Rebbe, delighted to have acquired the 22-year-old's signature.  

Maurice Krattenmacher (Hertha Berlin): Last season, the playmaker made waves in Bundesliga 2 with Ulm, but now the Bayern Munich talent is hoping to prove himself at Hertha. “He adds creativity and fearlessness to our attack, giving us additional options, and we’re thrilled he chose to join us,” said sporting director Benjamin Weber on the loan deal for the youngster. At just 19 years of age, Krattenmacher already has 84 senior professional appearances to his name.

Watch: Get ready for the new Bundesliga 2 season!

>>> Who's tipped to be Bundesliga 2 top scorer this season? 

Attack

Artem Stepanov (Nuremberg): Aged just 17, this gem of a striker on loan from Bayer Leverkusen is set to have the opportunity to gain invaluable experience this season at Nuremberg. Standing at 6'3'' tall, the Ukrainian is a true powerhouse up front and, thanks to his ponytail and playing style, strongly resembles former Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland. 

In the U19 Bundesliga, Stepanov scored 22 goals in 25 appearances, whilst also netting in the UEFA Youth League. “He stands out with his technique, aerial ability, and powerful finishing,” said Nuremberg's sporting director Joti Chatzialexiou of the youngster. Now, it's up to head coach and Germany's all-time top goalscorer Miroslav Klose to refine this diamond's raw potential.