FC Bayern Frauen Sign Austrian Star Barbara Dunst

The FC Bayern Frauen have made a significant addition to their squad ahead of the upcoming season by signing Austrian national player Barbara Dunst from Eintracht Frankfurt. The announcement, made on March 20, 2025, comes as the team continues to shape its roster following recent contract extensions for key players, including Klara Bühl and Alara Sehitler.

Barbara Dunst, a 27-year-old midfielder, will join Bayern Munich on a free transfer, with a contract that extends until the summer of 2028. However, it's important to note that Dunst is currently sidelined due to a cruciate ligament rupture she sustained in December 2024 during an international match against Poland.

With a strong record in the Bundesliga, Dunst has made 171 appearances, scoring 19 goals and providing 33 assists across her career, which includes previous stints at Bayer Leverkusen and Duisburg before joining Frankfurt in 2019. Bianca Rech, the director of FC Bayern Frauen, expressed excitement about Dunst's signing, stating, "Barbara is a complete player, who is flexible in midfield and poses a significant goal threat. Her personality, and her will to win, impressed us from the start. Moreover, she is a leader who takes responsibility on the pitch."

Dunst is expected to face stiff competition for a position in Bayern's midfield, especially since the team boasts talents like Sarah Zadrazil, Julia Zigiotti Olme, Sydney Lohmann, and Arianna Caruso. Additionally, players like Lena Oberdorf and Georgia Stanway, who are currently recovering from injuries, might also be significant factors in the midfield dynamics. This leads to speculation about whether Dunst could be used on the right wing as well.

As Dunst prepares for her comeback, she acknowledges the challenges ahead. "I see this as a tempting task in Munich," she said, emphasizing the opportunity to compete against the best teams in international football. This ambition matches Bayern's goals, as the team aims to secure their first-ever domestic double. Currently, they are in a strong position in the Bundesliga with a six-point lead over rivals Wolfsburg and Frankfurt.

On March 22, FC Bayern is set to face TSG Hoffenheim in the DFB Cup semifinals. A victory here would bolster their chances for the coveted double after winning the Bundesliga title. Despite this promising situation, the DFB Cup has remained elusive for Bayern since their sole win in 2012.

Dunst’s move to Bayern Munich marks the latest chapter in her career, which has seen her recognized multiple times as Austria's Footballer of the Year. Her achievements with St. Pölten, where she won the league and cup double in consecutive seasons, have set high standards for her time at Bayern. Nevertheless, the current concern is her recovery after her injury to ensure she can contribute significantly to the team's ambitions moving forward.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Dunst's signing is emblematic of FC Bayern's commitment to bolstering their squad and continuing their tradition of excellence in women's football. With high expectations and the determination to succeed, both Dunst and Bayern Munich look towards a bright future.