Bundesliga Returns: Players to Watch Ahead of Matchday 16
The Bundesliga is set to make its comeback this weekend after the winter break.
Key Players for Your Fantasy Team
In this Fantasy Bundesliga article, we will spotlight ten players worth considering for your squad as Matchday 16 approaches.
As a general guideline, we will avoid the most conventional choices and concentrate on gamers who might provide excellent value as unique selections.
1. Silvan Widmer, Mainz (Defender, 2.45M, 0%)
The Swiss defender appeared in the last two matches of 2025 for Mainz following the hiring of his fellow countryman, Urs Fischer, as coach, scoring in one of those matchups. With Philipp Mwene and Anthony Caci unavailable, Widmer is likely to continue as a wing-back for a Mainz team with an enticing schedule at the beginning of 2026, making him an appealing budget option.
2. Leopold Querfeld, Union Berlin (Defender, 7.28M, 13%)
Querfeld concluded the year with three consecutive returns exceeding 200 points. After successfully converting two penalties against Bayern in the DFB-Pokal, he did miss his last penalty attempt versus Wolfsburg; however, he remains the designated penalty taker, which boosts his desirability. Union Berlin also kicks off the year with two favorable matchups against Mainz and Augsburg.
3. Alex Grimaldo, Bayer Leverkusen (Defender, 24.23M, 33%)
After enjoying a much-needed rest, Grimaldo is anticipated to return fit for the start of 2026. Under coach Kasper Hjulmand, he has taken on a more advanced position, making him arguably the defender with the greatest offensive potential in the game.
4. Lennart Karl, FC Bayern (Midfielder, 6.4M, 16%)
Karl made headlines by expressing his desire to play for Real Madrid someday and backed it up with a stellar performance, scoring twice in Bayern’s 5-0 friendly victory over RB Salzburg. Priced at just 6.4 million and categorized as a midfielder, he presents outstanding value, though Bayern’s packed schedule and intense competition for starting roles mean he might not feature in every match.
5. Johan Manzambi, Freiburg (Midfielder, 8.73M, 19%)
Manzambi ranked among the top-performing midfielders heading into 2026, accumulating between 187 and 294 points in his last five matches of 2025. Contributing defensively and offensively, he has carved out a reputation as a remarkably reliable Fantasy asset.
6. Nadiem Amiri, Mainz (Midfielder, 14.02M, 0%)
Since Fischer’s appointment, Amiri has been utilized as a second striker. While this reduces his role in playmaking, it boosts his chances to get into scoring positions. Tasked with free-kick and penalty duties, he remains a prominent Fantasy option for Mainz’s favorable string of fixtures.
7. Aleix Garcia, Bayer Leverkusen (Midfielder, 15.4M, 32%)
Garcia emerges as another consistently strong midfield pick, averaging an impressive 212 points per game this season. His central position in Leverkusen’s possession-based style should yield continued success.
8. Patrik Schick, Bayer Leverkusen (Striker, 9.74M, 9%)
With a price tag of just 9.74 million, Schick offers exceptional value. The Czech striker has been involved in eight goals over Leverkusen’s 12 Bundesliga matches (six goals and two assists) and remains a central figure in Hjulmand’s strategy. With Christian Kofane participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, Schick may find additional minutes on the pitch.
9. Romulo, RB Leipzig (Striker, 11.26M, 4%)
After recovering from injury, the Brazilian striker has returned to the Fantasy conversation. While he may need some time to regain his best form, his earlier performances warrant consideration as Leipzig begins 2026 against relegation-threatened St. Pauli.
10. Luis Diaz, FC Bayern (Striker, 24.18M, 21%)
Having accumulated the fourth-most points in the game thus far—behind only Grimaldo, Michael Olise, and Harry Kane—Diaz has proven his worth at a premium price. Regularly starting for Bayern, the Colombian averages one goal involvement per Bundesliga match, making a combination of Kane and Diaz a potentially effective strategy.
