Jürgen Klopp has named his first Germany squad since replacing Julian Nagelsmann, selecting 44 players across two teams for the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League games against the Netherlands, Greece and Serbia. While some positions appear set for now, others remain very much up for grabs.
Goalkeeper
Klopp names first Germany squad
Klopp has confirmed that returning veteran Marc-André ter Stegen, now at Ajax, will be his first-choice goalkeeper. Previously unable to unseat Manuel Neuer or sidelined by injury, the 34-year-old last played for Germany in their 2025/26 Nations League third-place play-off defeat to France.
Alexander Nübel of Besiktas is the only other goalkeeper in the squad with senior international experience, albeit just three caps. Augsburg’s Finn Dahmen, Germany U21 stopper Noah Atubolu, on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt from Freiburg, and Bayern Munich’s Jonas Urbig complete the group.
The 23-year-old Urbig is expected to eventually take up the mantle, although his Bayern mentor Neuer showed that the succession can take longer than expected after coming out of international retirement at the age of 40 to play at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Prediction: Marc-André ter Stegen
Right-back
It won’t be captain Joshua Kimmich, who Klopp said will return to his preferred central midfield role after being used at right-back under Nagelsmann.
RB Leipzig’s Ridle Baku is a proven alternative, while Klopp has also cast the net wider with attack-minded VfB Stuttgart’s Josha Vagnoman and uncapped Freiburg man Philipp Treu. Inter Milan’s Yann Aurel Bisseck can also fill in on the right, although he generally plays at centre-back for his club.
Prediction: Josha Vagnoman
Left-back
Given Klopp’s penchant for attacking full-backs, Nathaniel Brown looks well placed to occupy the left flank. The Bayern summer signing from Frankfurt was one of Germany’s bright sparks at the World Cup, scoring against Curaçao, and continues to impress at club level.
Leipzig counterpart David Raum will provide competition, having featured regularly for Germany in recent years, while Stuttgart’s Maximilian Mittelstädt could also have a say in the pecking order. Augsburg’s Hennes Behrens is the untested option in the squad.
Prediction: Nathaniel Brown
Centre-back
It’s difficult to see Klopp moving away from the Jonathan Tah (Bayern) and Nico Schlotterbeck (Dortmund) partnership, particularly following Antonio Rüdiger’s international retirement. But Schlotterbeck’s injury history means Klopp will need dependable alternatives, with Bisseck, Dortmund’s Waldemar Anton – who can also cover at right-back – new boys Felix Keidel (Elversberg), Max Rosenfelder (Freiburg) and Finn Jeltsch (Stuttgart) all in contention.
That’s assuming Klopp sticks with his favoured four-man defence. A switch to a back three would create room for another centre-half, potentially giving one of those options a more prominent role.
Prediction: Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck
Watch: Pass-master Schlotterbeck
Central midfield
Things become a little more uncertain in the middle of the park. Klopp won back-to-back Bundesliga titles with Dortmund using a 4-2-3-1, but it was largely a 4-3-3 that brought him Premier League and UEFA Champions League success at Liverpool.
The ever-tenacious Kimmich is a lock either way. Alongside him, Bayern teammate Aleksandar Pavlović or Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha could form the double pivot, with the pair also offering a logical and well-balanced combination in a three-man midfield.
Anton Stach, so impressive in his debut Premier League season at Leeds United, can operate as a No.6, 8 or even 10, while also posing a threat from set pieces. Uncapped duo Mika Baur (Celtic) and Yannik Engelhardt (Freiburg), plus Germany U21 captain Tom Bischof (Bayern), bring the energy and youthful exuberance Klopp values. Vitaly Janelt (Brentford), meanwhile, offers a more defensive presence, having built a reputation as a reliable midfield anchor.
Prediction: Joshua Kimmich and Felix Nmecha
Watch: The best of Felix Nmecha
No10
Jamal Musiala could provide the attacking arm of a midfield three or sit between two wingers behind the central striker. There are few more gifted players in that pocket, although one option is Germany teammate Florian Wirtz (Liverpool). The duo combined to great effect at UEFA Euro 2024, but choosing one over the other could give Klopp greater balance in attack while opening the door for some of Germany’s most exciting young talents, not least out wide.
Among the other playmakers in the squad, Mainz talisman Nadiem Amiri is a tried-and-tested option who can also operate in deeper central roles. Brajan Gruda, on loan at Leipzig from Brighton & Hove Albion, represents raw talent with significant potential, while the experienced Serge Gnabry also thrived in the No.10 position for Bayern last season in Musiala’s absence.
Prediction: Jamal Musiala or Florian Wirtz
Watch: The best of Jamal Musiala
Wingers
Eight candidates are vying for two starting berths, or nine if Klopp opts to deploy Wirtz on the left. Arguably the most exciting pairing would be left-footed Lennart Karl on the right and right-footed Saïd El Mala on the opposite flank. Germany has rarely had such zing out wide, but will Klopp bow to the clamour for youth and flair?
Gnabry and Karim Adeyemi – who’s hit the ground running at Barcelona – have also been called up, with both capable of playing on either flank. Chris Führich (Stuttgart), Kevin Schade (Brentford) and Freiburg newcomer Derry Scherhant offer further competition on the left. Debutant Bambasé Conté (Hoffenheim) provides another natural option on the right or even through the middle.
Prediction: Lennart Karl and Saïd El Mala
Watch: The Mala-dona in action
Central striker
Finding a successor to Germany’s record goalscorer Miroslav Klose has proved a long-standing headache since he hung up his boots after winning the 2014 World Cup.
Niclas Füllkrug, Tim Kleindienst, Deniz Undav and Nick Woltemade have all had spells leading the line, but only Woltemade makes Klopp’s current squad. The 6’6″ forward endured a difficult spell at Newcastle United last season and has yet to score since moving to Juventus on loan.
Arsenal’s Kai Havertz was Nagelsmann’s preferred choice and fits the Klopp mould: a striker who, even when not prolific himself, brings others into play.
For a more natural goalscorer, Klopp has handed a first call-up to Frankfurt youngster Younes Ebnoutalib and recalled his clubmate Jonathan Burkardt.
Prediction: Havertz