FC Bayern is sticking to its guns. While elsewhere there is already talk of XXL transfers and major upheavals, Munich are pursuing a clearly defined plan for the summer of 2026. In the BILD podcast „Bayern Insider“, it became clear that the squad structure should deliberately remain small – and still offer maximum quality
FC Bayern’s sporting dominance this season is no coincidence, but the result of a deliberately chosen squad policy. This is exactly what Christian Falk and Tobi Altschäffl discuss in the new episode of the „Bayern Insider“ podcast. Falk succinctly sums up Munich’s internal approach: „The big buzzwords are internal: small, flexible and reliable.“
These three terms aptly describe the current transfer philosophy. FC Bayern deliberately avoids a bloated squad with many supplementary players who do not help either in sporting or structural terms. Instead, it relies on a manageable group of professionals who can cover several positions and work immediately in an emergency. The advantage is obvious: less dissatisfaction, a clearer distribution of roles and greater training intensity
Altschäffl adds that although this model involves a certain amount of risk, it has paid off so far. Injuries have remained controllable, young players have been given confidence – and the team has had a cohesive effect. It is precisely this balance that they want to maintain beyond the summer
Internal solutions as the key to the future
Another central point of the 2026 squad structure is the focus on internal transfers. Contract extensions and positional adjustments currently enjoy a higher priority than spectacular new additions. Falk makes it clear that the „king transfer“ in central defence, for example, does not have to be an external player, but an extension of Dayot Upamecano
Bayern also relies on flexibility in other parts of the team. Players such as Serge Gnabry and Konrad Laimer are planned internally in several positions, while talented players are gradually brought in. In this context, Altschäffl speaks of a „clearly recognizable profile“ that Bayern is pursuing in its squad planning: keeping top performers, developing young players and making selective adjustments
Particularly with a view to the summer of 2026, it is clear that FC Bayern is not focusing on a major shake-up, but on continuity. Transfers should be made in a targeted manner, only where they are really necessary from a sporting perspective. An approach that not only saves costs, but also strengthens identification within the team.
