Time to replace Haaland and Lewandowski - Next generation of Bundesliga stars ready to step up

The Bundesliga, like any top flight division in Europe, is only as good as the stars that decide to call it home. And for the past few years the German top division has been able to lay claim to some of the very best, as the likes of Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski became the poster boys of the league. However, that now looks like it will change this summer. 

Following two and a half years at Borussia Dortmund, Haaland has decided to take the next step in his career and will be joining Manchester City when the summer transfer window opens. And while Bayern Munich remain adamant that they’ll be keeping their own star striker, Lewandowski now looks set to do everything he can to make a move to Barcelona in the coming months. Fortunately, the Bundesliga also has a reputation for developing the stars of tomorrow and in either striker’s place there is a whole class of young players ready to step in and become the German top flight’s new poster boy. And when we look at the market value changes over the course of the last season, we can see which players are making the step up. 

Bellingham, Nkunku and Musiala - the Bundesliga stars of tomorrow 

When we look at which players have improved the most in the Bundesliga this season, the top 10 does a good job of showcasing the up and coming talents in the division. At the very top is RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku, whose value has increased by €37 million to €80m due to his incredible personal performances for the Saxony side. 

In second place is another incredible talent in Jamal Musiala, who has continued to go from strength to strength at Bayern under the tutelage of Julian Nagelsmann. As a result, his value has increased by €27m to €65m. Similarly, future Dortmund central defender Nico Schlotterbeck has seen his value increase by an incredible 340 percent to €33m before his 23rd birthday, while future team mate Jude Bellingham now joins Nkunku in being valued at €80m after seeing his value increase by €25m. 

Similarly, should Lewandowski follow Haaland out the door this summer, much of the attention on the league may then turn to Bayer Leverkusen, who currently boast three of the Bundesliga’s most impressive players. Patrik Schick, whose value has increased by 117.4 percent this season, is likely to be in line as the league’s established talisman, while Moussa Diaby and Florian Wirtz may well possess more potential than any other forward duo in the league.