Overview
- The new Expertengruppe convened in Leipzig under DFL leadership to tackle the drop in young players breaking into top squads.
- DFL figures show U21 minutes in the Bundesliga fell to 9.5% in 2024/25 from 12.4% in 2020/21, leaving the league fourth among Europe’s top competitions.
- The mandate spans talent education and integration plus the evolution of club standards and structures, with initial results to go to league bodies and then all 36 professional clubs in spring.
- Options under review include creating a U21 league to extend the transition window for 17–21-year-olds and to foster opportunities for emerging coaches.
- Participants include DFL and DFB leaders, commission representatives and experts such as Sami Khedira, with officials underscoring that reforms require solid financial, legal and sporting frameworks and broad club consent.