OPINION | Bundesliga 2026/27: Elversberg could be one of the surprises of the season

OPINION | Bundesliga 2026/27: Elversberg could be one of the surprises of the season Elversberg’s eye-catching surge into the Bundesliga is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable stories in the history of German football. Located to the north-east of Saarbrucken in the small state of Saarland, Elversberg has a population of just 7,000 people. After spending most of their existence in the lower leagues, the town’s football team reached the third division alongside RB Leipzig in 2013. They were relegated after one season, but finally returned to the third tier in 2022 after a couple of near misses. Fast forward to today and Elversberg are now preparing for the upcoming 2026/27 Bundesliga season after winning automatic promotion last term. Elversberg will head into the new campaign as the bookmakers’ favourites to be relegated, but they could prove to be a surprise package this season. Shrewd transfer business could help Elversberg’s cause Elversberg have been shrewd operators in the transfer market in recent years, and their strategy could pay dividends again. Their loan acquisition of Nick Woltemade from Werder Bremen in 2022 highlighted their ability to identify and develop promising talents. The €8.1 million sale of striker Younes Ebnoutalib to Eintracht Frankfurt earlier this year was further evidence of their astute transfer dealings. The collective mindset of the squad, in which everyone pulls in the same direction, will be a major asset as Elversberg embark on life in the Bundesliga. Nicolas Kristof and Lukas Petkov were standout performers last season and are expected to play a key role this time around. Striker David Mokwa was bought from Hoffenheim for just €1.5m in January, and is the type of player who could cause Bundesliga defences problems. Elversberg have continued to strengthen their squad this summer, acquiring several players from established Bundesliga clubs. They include winger Cole Campbell, who has joined the club for €6m from Borussia Dortmund. He has signed a contract running until 2030. The American made his league debut in the 2024/25 campaign for Dortmund, coming on as a late substitute for Donyell Malen in a 2-1 defeat to Augsburg. He made three more Bundesliga appearances that season and then just one in the first half of 2025/26, before joining Hoffenheim on loan. Elversberg sporting director Christian Weber said : “In Cole, we’ve signed another highly talented player who will be a huge asset to us with his exceptional pace and one-on-one skills. “We’ve been pursuing him for quite some time and are delighted that he’s chosen to join us.” Elversberg have also permanently signed midfielder Lukasz Poreba from Hamburg for €1.6m following his successful loan spell last season. After achieving back-to-back Bundesliga promotions with Hamburg and Elversberg, the 26-year-old is eager to make his mark in the top flight. “Last year was special for me in all respects,” Poreba said . “With the promotion to the Bundesliga, we have achieved something historic together. I felt very comfortable from the beginning. “And it feels right to continue on the common path and the coming challenge of Bundesliga.” With Elversberg also exploiting the loan and free transfer markets this summer, they could defy the odds by avoiding relegation back to the second tier. Stadium expansion boosts Elversberg’s hopes of staying in the Bundesliga The club’s Ursapharm-Arena currently holds around 10,000 spectators, while Bundesliga regulations require a minimum capacity of 15,000. However, they have been granted a temporary exemption which is valid until spring 2027. The club expect to have all necessary work completed by then. A new north stand will increase the capacity to around 15,500, which will include approximately 1,500 seats for away supporters. Once opened, this will generate more revenue for the club. Premium hospitality spaces located directly beside the pitch will also boost income, improving Elversberg’s chances of establishing themselves in the top flight. Improving the infrastructure is an essential part of the club’s progression, but results on the pitch will ultimately determine whether the development pays dividends. A recent 5-2 friendly victory over Ligue 1 club Strasbourg highlighted that it would be foolish to underestimate Elversberg’s survival hopes. Vincent Wagner’s side previously beat Nijmegen, which is no mean feat considering they finished third in the Eredivisie last season. Elversberg will be the smallest club ever to participate in the Bundesliga, but the spirit they have shown to make it this far could serve them well this term. GGFN | Zach Lowy