Gladbach 2026/27 season preview: Transfers, pre-season, predicted lineup and predictions

Borussia Mönchengladbach are heading into the 2026/27 Bundesliga season with renewed optimism. After finishing 12th last season, the club decided to stick with headcoach Eugen Polanski, despite some supporters calling for a change in the dugout.

The decision could prove to be a smart one. Gladbach have enjoyed an outstanding pre-season, strengthened their squad with an interesting group of young players and are set to welcome back one of their most important players in Tim Kleindienst.

There are still major questions to answer, particularly following the departure of former captain Rocco Reitz. But the Foals appear to have taken a step in the right direction.

If results are anything to go by, Gladbach have had one of the most impressive pre-seasons of any Bundesliga club.

The Foals won all eight of their pre-season matches, scoring an incredible 45 goals while conceding just seven.

Their summer campaign included comfortable victories over Wuppertal, Rot-Weiss Essen and Hansa Rostock before Gladbach produced arguably their most impressive result: a 4-1 win over Hoffenheim.

They also finished their friendly schedule with an eye-catching 2-1 victory over Aston Villa.

The results have naturally created plenty of optimism around the Borussia-Park. More importantly, Polanski appears to have developed a team that is comfortable both with the ball and in transition.

The momentum continued into competitive action.

Gladbach comfortably defeated Schott Mainz 5-0 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal, giving the club another confidence boost ahead of the Bundesliga campaign.

Perhaps the biggest boost of all, however, is the return of Tim Kleindienst.

The striker missed the entirety of last season, and his comeback has been highly anticipated in Gladbach. His physical presence, goalscoring ability and link-up play will give Polanski an entirely different attacking dimension.

There is also some continuity in goal. Gladbach decided to keep Moritz Nicolas despite interest in the goalkeeper, giving Polanski a reliable option between the posts.

The biggest question is whether the coach can translate this excellent pre-season form into a significant improvement in the Bundesliga.

Gladbach have taken an interesting approach to the summer transfer window.

Rather than relying exclusively on established Bundesliga names, the club have targeted talent from the 2. Bundesliga, looking to identify players capable of making the step up.

One of the headline arrivals is Isac Lidberg, who joined from Darmstadt. The Swedish striker scored 31 goals and provided nine assists in 58 2. Bundesliga appearances before making the move to Gladbach. He is expected to provide strong competition and cover for Kleindienst.

David Herold has also arrived from Karlsruhe, while Enzo Leopold joined from Hannover 96. Both players fit the club's strategy of recruiting relatively young players who still have room to develop.

There are also some particularly intriguing additions from abroad.

Ko Itakura has returned to Gladbach from Ajax, signing a contract until 2030. His return is especially significant because it directly addresses the departure of Nico Elvedi.

Young defenders Jan Leszczyński and Yukhym Konoplya have also joined, while Hugo Bolin has made his loan move permanent after impressing during his initial spell.

The departures, meanwhile, have been significant.

Most notably, former captain Rocco Reitz has joined RB Leipzig for around €20 million. Reitz leaves a sizeable hole in Gladbach's midfield - and there is an immediate twist to his departure: Leipzig host Gladbach on Matchday 1, meaning Reitz will face his former club straight away.

Long-serving centre-back Nico Elvedi has also departed, joining Leeds United. After many years at Gladbach, the Swiss international had established himself as something of a modern-day club legend.

Then there is Giovanni Reyna. The American arrived from Borussia Dortmund with enormous expectations, but his time in Gladbach never really developed as hoped. He has now joined Strasbourg.

Polanski could opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation:

Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Nicolas – Hashioka, Diks, Itakura, Ullrich – Stöger, Sander – Mohya, Bolin, Hack – Kleindienst

The return of Kleindienst is the obvious headline. However, Lidberg provides an excellent alternative and could see plenty of minutes throughout the season.

Robin Hack is also expected to be an important figure after returning from injury. His availability adds another much-needed attacking option.

But keep an eye on Wael Mohya.

The youngster has already shown flashes of enormous potential and could emerge as Gladbach's next superstar. His performances last season suggested that there is plenty more to come, and the club will be hoping he can make the next step in 2026/27.

It is difficult not to be impressed by what Gladbach have done over the summer.

Eight wins from eight pre-season games, 45 goals scored and just seven conceded is an extraordinary record, even when taking the varying quality of opposition into account.

More importantly, the club appear to have invested intelligently.

The departure of Reitz is undoubtedly a major blow. He was not only an important midfielder but also the club captain, and replacing his influence will be one of Polanski's biggest challenges.

However, Gladbach have brought in several players who could collectively fill the void. Itakura adds experience, while Leopold, Herold, Lidberg and the other new arrivals give the squad additional depth and potential.

Kleindienst's return could be almost like a new signing. The striker has already demonstrated his quality at Bundesliga level and should once again put himself in the conversation for the German national team if he can return to his best form.

Compared with several of their direct Bundesliga rivals, Gladbach appear to have taken a step forward. The biggest question mark for this writer is therefore not necessarily the squad - it is Polanski.

The club have placed their trust in the former midfielder after last season's 12th-place finish. Now, he has to demonstrate that he can take this group to the next level.

The Foals should have enough quality to stay comfortably away from the relegation battle, while their attacking options and Kleindienst's return could allow them to challenge for the upper half of the table.

A push for Europe might be a little too ambitious at this stage, but a strong campaign could lay the foundations for one in the future.

Prediction: 10th place.

Gladbach may not be ready to return to their best just yet, but the signs point towards a much more stable and promising season - and if Polanski can get the most out of his talented squad, the Foals could surprise a few people.