Rot-Weiss Essen vs SSV Ulm 1846 at Stadion Essen, Germany
The German football club Jahn Regensburg has confirmed the signing of Bayern Munich II goalkeeping prospect Max Schmitt, according to a press release from Jahn Regensburg dated June 27, 2026. Schmitt, 19, left Bayern Munich’s youth system after a three-year tenure, with the transfer reportedly finalized without a public financial disclosure.
Schmitt joined Bayern Munich’s Regionalliga side in 2023 after a youth career with SV Werder Bremen’s academy. During his time with Bayern Munich II, he made 28 appearances across all competitions, according to Bundesliga.com. His departure follows a period of limited first-team opportunities at Bayern Munich, where he was competing with established goalkeepers like Manuel Neuer and Alexander Nübel.
Jahn Regensburg, competing in the 3. Liga, announced the signing via a statement on their official website. “Max Schmitt brings valuable experience from one of Germany’s top clubs,” said sporting director Christian Schäfer. “His technical skills and composure under pressure align with our ambitions for the upcoming season.” The club did not specify the length of Schmitt’s contract or any transfer fee.
Bayern Munich confirmed the exit in a brief statement to German media outlet Sport1, saying, “We wish Max all the best for his future. His development at Bayern Munich was part of our long-term youth strategy.” The club has not commented on whether Schmitt’s departure involved a release clause or financial compensation.
Schmitt’s move comes amid ongoing speculation about Bayern Munich’s youth development policies. In 2025, the club’s youth academy ranked 12th in the Bundesliga’s annual evaluation, according to the German Football League (DFL). Analysts note that Schmitt’s exit reflects the competitive nature of Bayern’s goalkeeping pipeline, where prospects often seek first-team opportunities elsewhere.
Jahn Regensburg’s 2025-2026 season saw them finish 10th in the 3. Liga, with goalkeeper Markus Schumacher as their primary starter. The club’s 2026 summer transfer window has focused on strengthening defensive positions, including the signing of defender Niklas Stark from VfB Stuttgart.
Schmitt’s career trajectory mirrors that of fellow Bayern Munich graduate Kevin Volland, who left the club in 2017 for Mainz 05. Volland later became a Bundesliga regular, while Schmitt’s path will depend on his performance at Jahn Regensburg. The 3. Liga, Germany’s third-tier league, has produced several goalkeepers who later moved to higher divisions, including Union Berlin’s Ron-Robert Zieler.
The transfer highlights the role of Germany’s regional leagues in developing talent. According to the DFL, 3. Liga clubs invested €120 million in transfers during the 2025-2026 window, a 15% increase from the previous season. Schmitt’s move could signal a broader trend of Bundesliga youth players seeking regular playing time in lower divisions.
No immediate plans for Schmitt’s debut were announced, but Jahn Regensburg’s pre-season schedule includes friendly matches against Bundesliga sides Werder Bremen and Hamburg SV. The club’s head coach, Christian Titz, has emphasized building a “competitive squad” for the 2026-2027 campaign.