German clubs preseason preparations 2026

In mid‑July 2026 German sports clubs began intensive preseason work ahead of their domestic league starts. Handball side SG Flensburg‑Handewitt kicked off training on 18 July, adding four new signings – Emil Bergholt, Arnar Freyr Arnarsson, Aymeric Minne and goalkeeper Simon Möller – and holding its first physical tests under coach Ales Pajovic. The squad will train in Malmö from 22‑26 July before playing test matches against Skanderborg Aarhus (28 July) and Sønderjyske (1 August), plus two tournament games in August, before the Bundesliga opener on 28 August. Recovery continues for veteran Luca Witzke, who remains under contract through 2027.

A week later, on 25 July, football club FC Schalke 04 completed a week‑long training camp in the Stubaital, described by coach Miron Muslic as “optimally used” with intense sessions and test matches. The club, newly promoted and aiming for league survival, also pursued midfield reinforcement, negotiating a possible loan or low‑cost transfer of Danish midfielder Jesper Lindström from Napoli, valued at around €4 million. Both clubs emphasised team cohesion and fitness as crucial for a strong start to their respective 2026‑27 seasons.