DFL announce changes to loan player regulations for Bundesliga clubs

At their General Assembly meeting on Thursday, the DFL announced changes to the current loan system in an attempt to encourage more playing time for German youngsters.

All clubs in the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 are now required to have at least 12 licensed players with German citizenship under contract for every competitive match, as well as include them on the current player eligibility list.

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From the start of the 2026/27 campaign, two players with German citizenship who turn 23 during the respective season will also contribute to that total, even if they are on loan at a club in the fourth-tier Regionalliga or above. Additionally, players in that category do not count towards the maximum national loan quota of six if the parent club operates a second-string/U23 team.

Furthermore, U21 players with German citizenship will not count towards the national loan limit.