Ekstraklasa Season Preview: Can Anyone Stop Lech Poznań?

The Polish Ekstraklasa kicks off this Friday, July 24, with a new season that promises plenty of drama. Defending champions Lech Poznań are aiming for an unprecedented third straight title, a feat only achieved twice this century by Wisła Kraków and Legia Warsaw. Manager Niels Frederiksen, who signed a new two-year deal, has the strongest squad in the league and will be hard to stop. Main challengers include Raków, Widzew Łódź, and Legia Warsaw, which survived relegation after hiring Marek Papszun and nearly sneaked into Europe. Widzew spent a staggering €23 million last season yet only secured top-flight status after firing Igor Jovićević. Jagiellonia, despite selling star striker Pulułu, could also be a factor. Vice-champions Górnik Zabrze have lost two key Czech midfielders: Ambros joined Anderlecht for €5 million, and Hellebrand unexpectedly dropped down to Korona Kielce. Meanwhile, World Cup winner Lukas Podolski ended his playing career and bought an 86% stake in the club via his LP Holding GmbH company. Wisła Kraków returns to the top flight, and for the first time, a third Kraków club - Wieczysta - will play in the Ekstraklasa, setting up fascinating city derbies. Fans can watch three matches per round on the "Поверхнiсть" channels. With Lechia Gdańsk relegated, the Ukrainian contingent in the league has shrunk, but several players remain across the league.