The 2025-26 German Bundesliga season kicks off in two weeks time and while the English Premier League garners most of the European attention, Germany’s top-flight still features many top American talents.
Malik Tillman and Paxten Aaronson headline the American players in the Bundesliga heading into the opening weekend. Tillman is the newest face to the German top-flight after making a major move from PSV to Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
Aaronson, who has been loaned out twice by Eintracht Frankfurt in consecutive seasons, will aim to make this year his breakout Bundesliga campaign.
Joe Scally remains a regular contributor for Borussia Moenchengladbach heading into his fifth season with the club. The former NYCFC academy player will remain in the mix for a starting role under Gerardo Seoane.
Lennard Maloney traded Heidenheim for Mainz last season, but only made five appearances for them in all competitions. The veteran midfielder will be hoping to play a larger role in his second season at the club.
Kevin Paredes’ time at Wolfsburg has been hampered by injuries, but the American winger will be hoping to stay off the sidelines this season.
Noahkai Banks is a name that U.S. men’s national team fans will hope to hear more this season. The young defender made his senior debut for Augsburg last season and has enjoyed a strong preseason this summer.
Here is a look at the American players in the German Bundesliga this season:
Malik Tillman, Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen made a major addition to its roster this summer, acquiring USMNT midfielder Malik Tillman from PSV.
Tillman, 23, is coming off a stellar two seasons in Eindhoven, where he scored 25 goals, registered 17 assists, and won back-to-back league titles. However, a jump back to the German Bundesliga will be his toughest test yet as a professional.
Manager Erik Ten Hag will be hoping Tillman can play a large role this season, especially if Bayer Leverkusen wants to be part of the title race.
Paxten Aaronson, Eintracht Frankfurt
Back-to-back loan spells in the Dutch Eredivisie looks to have benefitted USMNT midfielder Paxten Aaronson.
Aaronson enjoyed a positive loan with FC Utrecht last season, scoring nine goals and adding six assists. The former Philadelphia Union homegrown helped FC Utrecht qualify for Europe this summer, but is now back in Frankfurt with his parent club ahead of the new league season.
Aaronson will be pushing for minutes and it looks very likely that Frankfurt will keep him part of the plans for 2025-26.
Kevin Paredes, Wolfsburg
Kevin Paredes is heading into his fourth full season at VfL Wolfsburg, but the 22-year-old is still trying to be a consistent part of the squad.
Paredes was reduced to only two appearances last season due to injuries, which forced him to take a step back in his development. However, Paredes still brings plenty of potential to the mix, which could help him earn minutes during the upcoming campaign.
If Paredes wants to force his way into the USMNT picture, a strong club season will help those dreams.
Joe Scally, Borussia Moenchengladbach
Joe Scally might only be 22-years-old, but he remains a seasoned veteran for Borussia Moenchengladbach.
Scally heads into his fifth season with Gladbach after totaling 132 appearances over his first full campaigns abroad. The versatile fullback can feature on the left or right side of the Gladbach set up, giving him ample opportunities to remain a starter this year.
Gladbach will want to be part of the top-six race this season and a healthy Scally certainly helps those chances.
Gio Reyna, Borussia Dortmund
Gio Reyna may not be a Borussia Dortmund player by the start of the Bundesliga season, but for now he is.
The 22-year-old midfielder desperately needs to playing time if he wants to get his club and international career back on track. Reyna made 26 appearances for the Black and Yellow last season, but played less than 1,000 minutes in the campaign.
Whether or not Reyna is able to secure a move remains to be seen, but if not, he will have to do everything he can to get back into a consistent role.
Lennard Maloney, Mainz
Lennard Maloney secured a move to Mainz last season but failed to truly make his mark on the team.
Maloney made only five appearances following his move from Heidenheim, taking a major step back in overall production. The aggressive midfielder brings a lot of experience to the Mainz squad, but ultimately needs to find a way to get onto the field.
Added opportunities in Europe could boost Maloney’s chances, which may propel him into the USMNT picture for the fall windows.
Noahkai Banks, FC Augsburg
A name that many USMNT fans will be watching this season is centerback Noahkai Banks.
Banks, 18, debuted for Augsburg’s first team last season, making eight appearances at senior level. A U.S. youth national team player, Banks will aim to take further steps for club and country.
After a strong preseason, Banks looks ready to offer much to the Augsburg squad.
Timmy Chandler, Eintracht Frankfurt
Veteran defender Timmy Chandler may not see much playing time at Eintracht Frankfurt, but his presence is invaluable to the squad.
The 35-year-old signed a one year contract extension with Frankfurt, as he nears the 200-appearance plateau for the club. Chandler has made just 19 appearances over the past three seasons, seeing the field just three times during the 2024-25 campaign.
However, having him part of the squad should help many of the young players, including fellow American, Paxten Aaronson.
Cole Campbell, Borussia Dortmund
19-year-old Cole Campbell could also join Gio Reyna on the Borussia Dortmund transfer out list by summer’s end, but he may also remain with the Black and Yellow too.
The U.S. youth national team attacker made six first-team appearances last season and an additional 11 with Dortmund II in the German 3. Liga. Campbell is a highly-touted prospect at the club, but has already been linked with an exit.
Stuttgart is interested in acquiring Campbell, a move which would benefit his quest of playing frequently and consistently.
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