Bayern Munich Women have strengthened their squad ahead of the new season by signing Dutch goalkeeper Regina van Eijk from Ajax, while also securing the long-term future of highly-rated defender Luzie Zähringer.
Van Eijk joins the German champions on a three-year contract until June 2029. The 24-year-old arrives from Ajax after establishing herself as one of the most promising goalkeepers in Dutch women’s football and will add further competition and quality to Bayern’s goalkeeping department.
Meanwhile, Bayern have also extended Zähringer’s contract until 2029 before sending the talented teenager on a season-long loan to Bundesliga newcomers VfB Stuttgart.
Bayern Land Ajax Goalkeeper Regina van Eijk
Van Eijk’s move to Munich represents a major step forward in her career after spending the last seven years developing within Ajax’s academy and first-team setup.
The Dutch goalkeeper joined Ajax’s youth system in 2018 and gradually worked her way through the ranks before making her Eredivisie debut in October 2021. Initially serving as a backup option, she developed into Ajax’s first-choice goalkeeper and became an important figure for one of the Netherlands’ biggest clubs.
During her time in Amsterdam, Van Eijk helped Ajax win the Eredivisie title in the 2022/23 season and lifted the KNVB Cup in 2024/25. Her performances also earned recognition on the international stage, resulting in her first senior Netherlands call-up in April 2025. Now, she takes the next step in her development with a move to one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Who Is Regina van Eijk?
Born in Woerden, Netherlands, Van Eijk began her football journey close to home before moving to the prestigious CTO Amsterdam development programme.
Standing at 1.74 metres, she has built a reputation as a modern goalkeeper who combines strong shot-stopping ability with confidence in possession. Comfortable playing out from the back, Van Eijk is known for her proactive approach, composure under pressure and willingness to act as an extra passing option during build-up play.
Her rise through Ajax’s system mirrors the pathway taken by many of the Netherlands’ top talents, and at 24 years old she is entering what many consider the most important stage of a goalkeeper’s career.
Having already gained experience in title races, domestic cup competitions and international football, Van Eijk arrives in Germany with a strong foundation and significant room for further growth.
What Regina van Eijk Will Bring to Bayern Munich
Van Eijk’s signing aligns perfectly with the demands of modern football.
The Dutch goalkeeper is comfortable with the ball at her feet and actively participates in build-up play, qualities that fit Bayern’s possession-based approach. Her confidence when distributing from the back should help Bayern maintain control in matches and break opposition pressure more effectively.
Bayern’s women’s football director Bianca Rech highlighted the goalkeeper’s calm presence and commanding personality, traits that often separate good goalkeepers from elite ones.
Competition for places is also crucial at a club competing for Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and UEFA Women’s Champions League honours. Van Eijk strengthens Bayern’s depth while also possessing the quality to challenge for a significant role in the squad.
At just 24, Bayern are not only signing a goalkeeper for the present but potentially securing a long-term option between the posts for years to come.
Competition for the Number One Spot
Bayern already boast significant depth between the posts, meaning the Dutch goalkeeper will face strong competition from within the squad. German international Maria Grohs has established herself as one of the club’s most trusted options, while Ena Mahmutovic remains one of the country’s most highly-rated young goalkeepers. Veteran goalkeeper Anna Klink also provides valuable experience and depth to the position.
For Van Eijk, the challenge will be proving that the consistency she displayed at Ajax can translate to one of Europe’s biggest clubs. At 24, she arrives at an age where many goalkeepers begin entering their prime years, and Bayern will hope the competition for places pushes all of their goalkeepers to an even higher level.
Van Eijk Excited for Bayern Challenge
Speaking after completing her move, Van Eijk described Bayern as one of the biggest clubs in world football and revealed that conversations with former Dutch players helped fuel her desire to join the German giants.
“I’m really pleased to have signed for FC Bayern. It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world, and everyone who I spoke to about the club only had positive things to say about FC Bayern.”
The goalkeeper also outlined the qualities she believes she can bring to the team.
“I’d say my style as a goalkeeper is proactive and involved: I like to open up play from the back, be brave and give my team security that way. Likewise, it’s important to me to always get the best out of the team and contribute to shared success.”
With Bayern continuing to compete at the highest level domestically and in Europe, Van Eijk now has the opportunity to establish herself on one of the biggest stages in women’s football.
Bayern Secure Future of Luzie Zähringer
Alongside Van Eijk’s arrival, Bayern also announced a contract extension for one of Germany’s brightest young defensive prospects. Eighteen-year-old centre-back Luzie Zähringer has signed a new deal until 2029 before joining VfB Stuttgart on loan for the 2026/27 season.
Zähringer joined Bayern from FSV Waiblingen in 2024 and quickly established herself as an important player for the club’s second team. Her performances earned first-team opportunities, including her DFB-Pokal debut in 2024 and Bundesliga debut in 2025.
The German youth international was also awarded the prestigious Gold Fritz Walter Medal in the Under-17 category, underlining her status as one of the country’s top young talents.
The loan move to Stuttgart should provide valuable Bundesliga experience before a potential return to Bayern as a more complete and experienced player.
Source: Bayern Munich
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