Promoted Stories Favorites 2026: Kiel and Bochum in the fight for the Bundesliga!
Holstein Kiel is fighting for promotion to the Bundesliga in 2026 with the highest squad value in the 2nd Bundesliga. Performance and forecasts in focus.

Promoted Stories Favorites 2026: Kiel and Bochum in the fight for the Bundesliga!
There is excitement in the air in the 2nd Bundesliga, as numerous teams' chances of promotion for the coming 2025/2026 season will be closely examined. According to the current analyzes from Wettfreunde VfL Bochum and Holstein Kiel the hottest candidates who could return to the Bundesliga. With a market value of around 45 million euros, Kiel has the highest value in the league and is considered a significant candidate for promotion.
Holstein Kiel, fresh from a chaotic season in the Bundesliga, has retained most of its squad. Coach Marcel Rapp, who has a lot of experience in the 2nd Bundesliga, will remain in office, which will give the team additional stability. Last year, Kiel suffered a bitter defeat when the last two games led to relegation, but that does not diminish their confidence of a return. After the 32nd matchday, the relegation place was within reach and the team is currently showing strong competitive form.
Bochum: Consistency as the key to success
The VfL Bochum didn't experience any major upheaval after relegation. Coach Dieter Hecking, who stabilized the course in November, also remains on the list of promotion candidates with a squad valuation of 35.30 million euros. Bochum lost a few key players, but returning Kevin Vogt is seen as an experienced leader who will bring a breath of fresh air to the team.
The good mix of talent - like Francis Onyeka and Kjell Wätjen, who have been trained and now want to shine on the pitch - and established forces could make the difference. Hecking has put together a balanced team for the coming season that is ready to fight for the ranks.
Competition from the second row
However, the promotion race is not just limited to Kiel and Bochum. According to the reports of Bundesliga there are other ambitious teams. Fortuna Düsseldorf has consistently played in the top third under coach Daniel Thioune in recent seasons. After a strong fourth place and a relegation, the team has gained new recruits like Sotiris Alexandropoulos, who strengthens the squad.
Hertha BSC, a team with a squad valuation of 36.50 million euros, has also registered its claims. Coach Stefan Leitl has really got the club, which had some difficulties last season, on track. The return of Fabian Reese was important, as he brought a breath of fresh air with his goals.
The underdog opportunity
But it's not just the favorites who are interested in promotion. The 1. FC Kaiserslautern also has ambitions for advancement, even if her market value of around 22 million euros makes her seem like a pursuer. Coach Torsten Lieberknecht not only strengthened the squad with important players like Mahir Emreli, but also compensated well for the loss of Ragnar Ache.
In the analysis of the Market values The entire league is doing exceptionally well: Overall, the market value of all 2nd Bundesliga clubs amounts to 423.70 million euros, an increase of 5.4% compared to the previous year. The league, which continues to be competitive, promises exciting duels and unexpected twists.
The 2025/2026 promotion season is just around the corner and every team has its own challenges. Whether Holstein Kiel or VfL Bochum, or an outsider like Kaiserslautern – the fans can look forward to exciting games and exciting battles for the best places!