Karlsruher SC 2025/26 season preview: Aiming higher after a strong end to last season

In 2024/25, KSC finished a respectable 8th in the 2. Bundesliga. While the table position may not seem extraordinary at first glance, last term was positive overall for the Badeners. 

After an inconsistent campaign, KSC hit their stride in the second half of the season, climbing as high as fifth in April and delivering some impressive performances that gave fans a glimpse of a side capable of challenging the upper echelons of the table.

Eichner, now one of the longest-serving coaches in the division, signed a contract extension through 2027 earlier this year, stressing the importance of continuity at the Wildparkstadion. Speaking at the announcement, he underlined his connection to the club and city: “From the beginning, it was our wish to continue the path at KSC with maximum passion,” he told club media.

Transfers

Karlsruhe have been active in the summer transfer window, making several astute additions. The biggest name is perhaps Roko Šimić, a highly rated forward arriving on loan from Cardiff City. His physicality and aerial presence could be exactly what KSC need to convert more of their chances this year.

They have also reinforced other key areas:

Hans Christian Bernat (GK) has joined from Botew Plowdiw and is expected to compete with Robin Himmelmann for the starting spot.

Midfielder Andreas Müller and left-back Niclas Dühring bring further depth and energy.

Youthful prospect Paul Scholl has been added, while Noah Rupp and Eren Özturk have returned from loan spells away from the club.

Elsewhere, several figures have left the club this summer: 

Max Weiß (Goalkeeper) - sold to Burnley in a deal worth around €4 million.

Leon Jensen (Midfielder) - joined Hertha BSC.

Robin Bormuth (Centre-back) - FC Saarbrücken.

Benedikt Bauer (Defender) - Jahn Regensburg.

Luca Pfeiffer (Forward) - returned to VfB Stuttgart after a loan spell ended.

Additional exits include Lasse Günther, Bambase Conte, Andrin Hunziker and Mustafe Abdullahu, who have all moved back to their parent clubs.

Preparations for the new season

Karlsruhe began pre-season early in July and have already played several warm-up games. Two results have been confirmed:

A 1–2 loss to Swiss Super League side St. Gallen in January 2025.

A 2–1 win over Ferencváros on 15 July 2025.

These matches allowed Eichner to integrate his summer signings and assess youth players like Paul Scholl (19), who impressed during the friendly against Ferencváros. The final round of friendlies will wrap up in late July as KSC gear up for their league opener.

Predicted starting line-up

Karlsruher SC kicked off their pre-season in early July with friendlies against Ferencváros and St. Gallen, securing a narrow 2-1 win and suffering a 1-2 defeat respectively. While detailed information on formations during these matches is limited, the squad utilised throughout pre-season provides insight into likely first-choice players.

In goal, Hans Christian Bernat is expected to fight for the spot as the starting goalkeeper. The defensive unit is likely to include Christoph Kobald, Marcel Franke, and David Herold, providing a blend of experience and solidity across the backline.

The midfield will revolve around captain Marvin Wanitzek, supported by Robin Beifus, Dzenis Burnić, and Leon Jensen, combining creativity and defensive responsibility. Up front, Karlsruher SC will probably rely on new arrival Šimić to lead the attack, offering pace and goal threat.

This group reflects the core of the squad that participated in pre-season and is expected to form the backbone for the upcoming 2. Bundesliga campaign.

Predictions for the upcoming season

Karlsruhe’s blend of experienced leaders and exciting young players could allow them to push up the table, provided they can address the inconsistency that has plagued recent campaigns. The squad looks deeper than last year, particularly in attack and midfield, and Eichner’s continued presence offers stability in a league often characterised by upheaval.

A realistic target would be to match or improve on last season’s 8th-place finish, with a top-six push not out of the question if the new signings settle quickly. Promotion may still be a stretch given the depth of competition, but KSC look capable of surprising a few teams once again.

They open their 2025/26 campaign on Saturday at home against Preußen Münster, before a trip to long-standing friends Hertha BSC at the Olympiastadion in a highly anticipated Matchday 2 fixture.