Quick Read
- Georgia Stanway will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the 2025-2026 season, as confirmed in January 2026.
- The England international midfielder joined Bayern in 2022 and contributed to three Bundesliga titles, two Supercups, and one DFB Pokal.
- Stanway cited a desire for ‘something new’ as the reason for her ‘difficult decision’ to depart.
- She is widely expected to return to the Women’s Super League (WSL), with Arsenal reported as the frontrunners for her signature.
- Stanway aims to conclude her Bayern tenure with more titles, as the club competes for domestic and Champions League glory.
In a move that has sent ripples through European women’s football, England international Georgia Stanway has officially confirmed her departure from Bayern Munich at the conclusion of the current 2025-2026 season. The announcement, made on a Saturday in mid-January 2026, ahead of the second half of the German season, signals the end of a hugely successful chapter for the Lionesses midfielder and ignites intense speculation about her next destination, with a return to the Women’s Super League (WSL) widely anticipated.
Stanway, 27, arrived in Munich in 2022 from Manchester City, shortly after playing a pivotal role in England’s historic Euro 2022 triumph. Her time at Bayern has been nothing short of transformative, establishing her as one of Europe’s premier midfielders. Her departure marks a significant moment for both the player and the German giants, who now face the challenge of replacing a linchpin of their recent success.
A Bayern Chapter Closes: Stanway’s Legacy and Difficult Decision
Since her arrival in 2022, Georgia Stanway has become synonymous with Bayern Munich’s domestic dominance. As the first English player to represent Bayern Women, she not only made history but also quickly endeared herself to the club’s faithful. Her tenacious play, exceptional work rate, and ability to dictate the tempo from midfield have been instrumental in a trophy-laden period for the club. Together, Stanway and her teammates have secured an impressive three successive Bundesliga titles, two Supercups, and the DFB Pokal. It’s a testament to her impact that even after signing a new contract in late 2023, the lure of a new challenge proved irresistible.
In her statement confirming the exit, Stanway expressed profound gratitude for her time in Germany. “I am incredibly grateful to Bayern for the past years and, thankfully, my time here isn’t over yet,” she stated. “The decision to leave Munich and my team was incredibly difficult and definitely not easy for me. I’ve made friends and memories here that will last a lifetime, and I’ve also been able to develop enormously as a player and as a person. I will give everything for the club and its sporting success until my very last day, just as I have for the past three and a half years, and I want to say goodbye to the club and the fans at the end of the season with as many titles as possible.”
The sentiment was echoed by Bianca Rech, Bayern’s director of women’s football, who acknowledged Stanway’s profound influence. “As the first English player at Bayern Women, Georgia Stanway not only made history but also stole our hearts,” Rech commented. “She matured into a top European player in Munich and played a key role in the club’s success in recent years with her commitment and character. We talked a lot and openly about her future and when she told us that she now wanted to try something new, her reasons were completely understandable. We thank her for the time we spent together and wish her all the best for the future. But we still have a few months left, and we’ll make them as successful as possible together.”
Stanway’s departure is undoubtedly a significant blow for Bayern, especially following the earlier loss of star striker Lea Schuller to Manchester United this month. The club now faces the formidable task of maintaining its domestic supremacy and making strides in the Champions League without two of its most influential players.
The Call of Home: WSL Return and Arsenal’s Pursuit
With her contract expiring this summer, Stanway has been free to engage in discussions with clubs abroad since the turn of the New Year. The prevailing whispers suggest a strong pull back to the Women’s Super League, the league where she first made her professional mark. Among the potential suitors, Arsenal has emerged as a clear frontrunner for her signature, as reported by BBC Sport.
The Gunners, who boast several of Stanway’s international teammates like Leah Williamson, Alessia Russo, and Chloe Kelly, are understood to be keenly interested in the England international. While Arsenal already possesses strong midfield options, the composition of their squad could see significant changes this summer, with numerous first-team players nearing the end of their contracts. Furthermore, the club’s veteran midfielder, Kim Little, a player instrumental to Arsenal’s historical and recent successes, will celebrate her 36th birthday in June. Reinforcing the midfield for the long term, to soften the eventual impact of Little’s departure, appears to be a sensible strategic move, even though Little continues to perform at an exceptionally high level and has not indicated any immediate plans for retirement.
However, it’s crucial to note that while Arsenal leads the chase, there is considerable interest in Stanway from other clubs, both within the WSL and across Europe. The England star has ample time to weigh her options and make a decision that aligns with her ambitions for this new chapter of her career.
A Farewell Push: Chasing Glory Before Departure
Despite the confirmed move, Stanway’s immediate focus remains firmly on her current club. Her commitment to Bayern Munich is unwavering, as she aims to conclude her tenure on the highest possible note. The 2025-2026 season still holds immense potential for Bayern, who have already secured the Supercup. They are also in a commanding position to clinch a fourth successive Bundesliga title, currently sitting six points clear of Wolfsburg at the top of the table, with the season just past its halfway point.
Beyond domestic league aspirations, Bayern is also deep in cup competitions. They have progressed to the quarter-finals of the DFB Pokal, with a crucial clash against Hamburg scheduled for March. Perhaps most tantalizingly, the club has reached the last eight of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, where they are set to face either Atletico Madrid or Manchester United later this year for a coveted spot in the semi-finals. While Bayern’s Champions League performances have been somewhat underwhelming during Stanway’s time in Munich, a strong showing this season could provide a fitting farewell. An earlier 7-1 thrashing by Barcelona in October highlighted areas for improvement, but subsequent impressive wins against formidable opponents like Arsenal, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain secured automatic qualification to the last eight, demonstrating Bayern’s capability to be a significant threat in Europe before Stanway bids her final goodbye.
Georgia Stanway’s decision to seek a new challenge, even after achieving significant success and signing a contract extension, underscores the dynamic and ambitious nature of top-tier women’s football. Her departure from Bayern Munich is not merely a transfer; it’s a strategic pivot by a player at the peak of her powers, signaling a desire to push boundaries and perhaps conquer new leagues. For Bayern, it presents an immediate test of squad depth and resilience, while for the WSL, her potential return would be a significant coup, injecting world-class talent and boosting the league’s competitive edge. Whatever her next destination, Stanway’s move is poised to be one of the most impactful transfers of 2026, reshaping narratives for both her former and future clubs.