The case for the next wave of Bundesliga 2 prospects starts with the numbers. J. Thierry has 9 goals and 5 assists in 14 Borussia Dortmund U19 appearances, Alessio Besio produced 18 goals and 12 assists in 36 appearances at Verl, and Ismail Badjie already has 46 total appearances since his 3. Liga debut in August 2024.

Fidjeu-Tazemeta and Besio lead the statistical case

1. FC Kaiserslautern sporting director Marcel Klos described Thierry as “a top international youngster” and said he is “a strong technical player whose physicality and speed set him apart.” That kind of praise fits the output. Nine goals and five assists in 14 U19 games is a strong return, and it is the clearest reason he stands out in this group.

Besio gives SV Darmstadt 98 something different. Paul Fernie said he is “very energetic, plays with great intensity and is someone who always wants the ball”, while also pointing to his passing and decision-making. The production at Verl backs that up. Eighteen goals and 12 assists in 36 appearances is not just a scoring run, it is the profile of a forward who can do more than finish moves.

Badjie and the next step for Bayern-linked talent

Badjie’s numbers are less explosive, but they are still the kind that get attention. Nine goals in 32 3. Liga games helped Osnabrück secure Bundesliga 2 return after a two-year absence, and his 46 appearances since that August 2024 debut suggest he is already past the point where “prospect” is doing all the work.

The other name in the group is Javier Fernandez, who was named in Bayern München's senior matchday squad for the first time against Heidenheim in December 2025. Joti Chatzialexiou said: “Javier has shown just how much potential he has.” That is a smaller sample than the others, but it still matters in a list built on upward momentum.

The point here is not that every one of these players is ready to step straight into a starring Bundesliga 2 role on day one. It is that the production is already there for the most obvious names, and in a market like this, that tends to travel quickly.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →