With the Bundesliga season now completed, clubs turn their attention to next season and squad planning begins in earnest. The transfer window is open and we bring you all the latest transfer news from Germany.
8 September
Leverkusen bring in Schick, Leipzig snatch Samardzic
Bayer Leverkusen have begun to spend some of the transfer kitty available following the sales of Kai Havertz and Kevin Volland by signing Czech striker Patrik Schick on a permanent deal from AS Roma. The 24-year-old spent last season on loan at RB Leipzig scoring ten goals, but the Sachsen side were not prepared to pay the Italian’s asking price of €26.5 million. Leverkusen, with money to spend and a need for a goal scorer have done just that handing the forward a five-year contract.
Elsewhere, Leipzig have pulled off a coup by snatching highly talented and much sought-after youngster Lazar Samardzic from Hertha Berlin. The 18-year-old had been tracked by a host of top European clubs and will go straight into die Roten Bullen’s first team squad for next season.
4 September
Havertz finally signs for Chelsea
After months of transfer speculation regarding the future of Bayer Leverkusen attacker Kai Havertz, it has been confirmed that he is indeed going to be joining fellow German Timo Werner at Premier League side Chelsea. The 21-year-old international has completed a move which could see the Werkself earn €100 million depending on various clauses and add-ons. After signing Christian Pulisic last year and Timo Werner earlier in the summer, the London side are acquiring their own little slice of Bundesliga-made talent.
3 September
Ibisevic joins Schalke on a free
Veteran Bosnian striker Vedad Ibisevic’s Bundesliga career will continue despite being released by Hertha Berlin at the end of last season. The 36-year-old has signed a deal with Schalke for a nominal salary which he says he will donate to charity. Having scored 127 goals since arriving in the Bundesliga back in 2006, it had been thought the former Hoffenheim and VfB Stuttgart striker’s time in the German topflight was at an end. however with finances tight and goals hard to come by last season, the Königsblauen have taken the decision to take a gamble on the old timer.
2 September
Monaco snatch Volland, Max joins PSV
Two more stars have been prised away from the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen striker Kevin Volland joining Monaco in Ligue 1 and Augsburg full back Phillip Max moving to PSV Eindhoven. 28-year-old Volland joins up with former Bayern Munich trainer Niko Kovac in the French principality for a reported fee of €15 million. His contract with the Werkself was up next summer, and the task now is for the Leverkusen board to find a replacement for Volland’s goals.
After two seasons of barely holding onto left back Phillip Max, Augsburg have finally had to admit defeat with their star man joining Roger Schmidt in Eindhoven. The Dutch club have paid some €8 million for the 26-year-old which could rise to €10 million based on performance.
29 August
Juventus sign Weston McKennie
Despite all the speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League, Schalke’s US midfielder Weston McKennie has surprised many by signing an initial loan deal with Serie A champions Juventus. The Bianconeri have taken the versatile 22-year-old on a season-long loan paying the Königsblauen a reported €4.5 million with an obligatory option to buy for a further €18.5 million when certain stipulations are met
Freiburg’s Robin Koch Premier League bound
SC Freiburg defender Robin Koch has signed for newly promoted English Premier League side Leeds United. The 24-year-old has signed a deal with Marcelo Bielsa’a side until 2024 with the Yorkshire side paying a reported €13 million.
“Despite offers from other clubs, the sporting concept of Leeds was unique to me” he explained. “The sporting perspective of developing myself under such a successful coach like Marcelo Bielsa and asserting myself in the Premier League at the same time was decisive for me.”
26 August
Joveljic loaned to Wolfsberger AC
Having spent the Rückrunde on loan at Belgian side Anderlecht, Eintracht Frankfurt striker Dejan Joveljic has found a new temporary home with the news that he is to join Austrian side Wolfsberger AC on loan for the forthcoming season. The 21-year-old Serbian striker’s opportunities at the Commerzbank Arena would have been limited this season, so another spell out gaining experience has been deemed the ideal solution
25 August.
Wolfsburg sign Lacroix
VfL Wolfsburg have added central defender Maxence Lacroix to their squad signing the 20-year-old French defender from second division side FC Sochaux on a four-year contract. “Maxence is another logical next step in bringing talented young and hungry players to Wolfsburg who can then develop to a higher level with us and take the next step in their careers,” said sporting director Marcel Schäfer. “He’s got everything he needs to establish himself in the Bundesliga.”
Mvogo extends before Eindhoven loan
RB Leipzig reserve goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo will spend next season on loan at PSV Eindhoven. The 26-year-old Swiss keeper however has extended his contract with Die Roten Bullen at the same time signing an extension until 2023. The idea is to collect more first team action in the Eredivisie with Peter Gulacsi still firmly ensconced as the RB number one.
18 August
Lazaro reunites with Marco Rose
Borussia Mönchengladbach coach Marco Rose will be working with Valentino Lazaro again next season after the Fohlen secured a one-year loan with an option to buy for the Inter midfielder. The 24-year-old was previously with Rose at Red Bull Salzburg before moving to Hertha Berlin. Last season saw him signed by Inter for €22.4 million only to be loaned out to Newcastle United.
15 August
Chong completes Werder loan
Werder Bremen’s plans for a possible life without Milot Rashica are taking shape with the loan signing of Manchester United youngster Tahith Chong on a year-long loan. The 20-year-old can play on either wing or in a more central position and has immediately joined up with the Werder squad at their pre-season training camp in Zell am Ziller.
14 August
Luca Waldschmidt signs for Benfica
As is so often the case at SC Freiburg, one of their prized assets has moved on to ‘bigger and better things’. Striker Luca Walschmidt has rather surprisingly switched to Portugal signing for Benfica for a reported €15 million. The 24-year-old joined the Breisgauer two years ago from HSV and scored 16 Bundesliga goals in 53 appearances. He was called up to the German national side last season having progressed well with the U-21 side.
13 August
Köln take Zieler, Koziello out on loan
1.FC Köln have signed Hannover goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler to provide back-up/ competition for first-choice Timo Horn. The Cologne-born goalkeeper had fallen out of favour in Niedersachsen at Hannover and a year’s loan with the Geißböcke will give the 2014 World Cup winner the chance to get his career back on track. 24-year-old French midfielder Vincent Koziello however has been loaned out for a year to Portuguese side CD Nacional Funchal. He signed for Köln in January 2018, but has struggled to make an impact.
10 August
Mainz sign Kilian
Mainz have signed central defender Luca Kilian from relegated SC Paderborn. The 20-year-old German U-21 international has cost a mere €2 million due to a release clause in his contract and has signed a deal with the Nullfünfer until June 2024.
6 August
Double arrival in Berlin
Both Hertha Berlin and city rivals Union have announced new summer signings today. Hertha finally signed right back Deyovaisio Zeefuik from FC Groningen after efforts from Southampton to lure the Dutchman to England. The 22-year-old cost a reported €4 million and joins Alexander Schwolow as a new arrival at the Olympiastadion this summer.
Union meanwhile have pulled off quite the surprise by signing striker Max Kruse on a free transfer. The former Werder Bremen striker had been linked with a move back to the Weser Stadion with Schalke also reportedly interested.
5 August
Max Kruse Declines to Re-Join Werder
Since Max Kruse cancelled his contract with Turkish club Fenerbahçe, there had been hope among many Werder Bremen faithful that the man who had eleven goals and ten assists for the green-and-whites during the 2018-19 campaign would return to the Weser to resume his exploits. Werder boss Frank Baumann said on Wednesday that such a scenario was not in the cards for the two parties.
“I can confirm that we held discussions with Max Kruse,” said Baumann, “but he has decided differently and will not transfer to SV Werder.”
Tschuß Schwolow . . . Willkommen Uphoff!
Herzlich Willkommen in Freiburg, Benjamin #Uphoff! 👋
Alle Infos: https://t.co/wGIghWKprj
___#SCF pic.twitter.com/dDGviTpusc— SC Freiburg (@scfreiburg) August 5, 2020
One day after last year’s number one, Alexander Schwolow, was announced at Hertha Berlin, SC Freiburg welcomed Benjamin Uphoff into the squad. Uphoff allowed 56 goals in 34 matches last season, helping Karlsruher SC succeed in their battle to stay in the 2. Bundesliga as a newly promoted side. Uphoff will fill the number two spot vacated by Mark Flekken who will succeed the departed Schwolow.
4 August
Hertha beat Schalke to Schwolow
Hertha Berlin have pipped Schalke to the signing of Freiburg goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow. After being strongly linked with the Königsblauen, an €8 million deal has been agreed with the capital club with a contract until 2024.
“The talks with Bruno Labbadia and Michael Preetz were completely clear and fair from the beginning. I could really identify with their ideas and with the role that I will play here. Hertha has great tradition and I would like to be a part of the foundations upon which this club can build a positive future,” Alexander Schwolow explained on the announcement of his signing.
Union bolster their defence with Robin Knoche
Union Berlin’s preparations for the new season continue with the coup signing of defender Robin Knoche. The experienced centre back left Wolfsburg at the end of last season after failing to agree a new contract. The 28-year-old made 183 appearances for die Wölfe in the Bundesliga and has signed a contract with die Eisernen that is valid for both the Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga.
Gacinovic joins Hoffenheim, Frankfurt take Zuber
New Hoffenheim trainer Sebastian Hoeneß has a new arrival at the club with the news that 25-year-old midfielder Mijat Gacinovic has joined from Eintracht Frankfurt. The Serb has signed a contract in Sinsheim until 2014 and arrives after spending five seasons with the Adler making 116 Bundesliga appearances. Making the move in the opposite direction is 28-year-old Seven Zuber, who has signed at the Commerzbank Arena until 2023.
1 July
Union Berlin add Cedric Teuchert
Union Berlin have strengthened their forward line with the signing of Cedric Teuchert from Schalke. The 23-year-old spent last season on loan at Hannover after struggling to make the grade in Gelsenkirchen. The Berlin club have paid an undisclosed fee for the striker, who made a name for himself at Nürnberg, before being signed by the Königsblauen. Having not being given the chance to prove himself, the move to Köpenick could be his second chance.
30 July
Werder confirm Erras arrival
Werder Bremen have confirmed they have signed defensive midfielder Patrick Erras on a free transfer from 1.FC Nürnberg. The 25-year-old had been linked with a move to the Weser Stadion for weeks after refusing to extend his contract with Der Club. Despite new sporting director Dieter Hecking’s best efforts, the player has opted to move up to the Bundesliga with the Grün-Weißen signing a contract until 2023.
28 July
Double deal for VfB Stuttgart
Stuttgart have completed two signings today with 22-year-old goalkeeper Gregor Köbel signing from Hoffenheim and defender Waldemar Anton coming in from Hannover. Köbel spent last season loan at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, and despite interest from Hertha Berlin, has made his stay permanent with a contract until 2024.
24-year-old central defender Anton has also signed a deal until 2024 and brings Bundesliga experience to the Swabian’s back line. The Hannover youth product and U-21 international played 69 times in top flight before Hannover were relegated. It is believed a fee of around €4 million was paid by VfB for his signature.
Demirovic is Freiburg’s first signing
SC Freiburg have completed their first signing of the summer with the €3.7 million capture of Bosnian striker Ermedin Demirovic from Spanish side Deportivo Alaves. The 22-year-old spent the past season on loan at St. Gallen in Switzerland, where he scored 13 goals.
Born in Hamburg, he came through the ranks at HSV before a spell at RB Leipzig. The classic number 9 type is a Bosnian U-21 international and will provide competition for Nils Petersen, Luca Waldschmidt and Lucas Höler.
25 July
Union Berlin take Endo on loan
Union Berlin have completed the season-long loan signing of Japanese attacking-midfielder Keita Endo with an option to buy.
The left-sided attacker moves to the German capital from Yokohama F. Marinos. The 22-year-old has featured 139 times in the J-League, Cup and the Asian Champions League scoring 16 goals and providing 22 assists.
21 July
Brosinski Extends with Mainz
Daniel Brosinski has been a fixture at right back for 1. FSV Mainz since arriving for the 2014-15 season. Though last season was the first time Brosinski did not log over 2,000 minutes, the 32-year-old did make 26 Bundesliga appearances for Mainz. The club and player have agreed to an extension to keep Brosinski at Mainz into 2022.
21 July
Wolf to Mönchengladbach on Loan Deal
20 July
Balerdi to Marseille on Loan Deal
Borussia Dortmund and Olympique Marseille are negotiating a deal for Leonardo Balerdi join the French side via loan. Notably, the loan deal will reportedly not include an option to purchase the young central defender who joined the black-and-yellows from Boca Juniors in January 2019. Balerdi made eight appearances for the senior team last season, logging just 135 minutes between seven Bundesliga and one Champions League matches.
Bellingham to BVB Confirmed
The long-awaited news about Jude Bellingham‘s move from Birmingham to Borussia Dortmund is now official. BVB will pay a reported €25 million for the 17-year-old and see him as an immediate part of Lucien Favre’s first-team squad. For more about the talented youngster, check out our profile.
19 July
Done Deals So Far
Some clubs have opted to get their deals tied up early with RB Leipzig being one such club. Not only have they signed striker Hee-chan Hwang from Red Bull Salzburg for €9 million, but they have also brought in full back Benjamin Heinrichs on an initial loan from AS Monaco.
Union Berlin have signed Niko Gieβelmann on a free from Fortuna Düsseldorf as well as defensive midfielder Sebastian Griesbeck also on a free from Heidenheim. The biggest transfer so far though has to be Bayern’s purchase of Leroy Sané for a ‘bargain’ €45 million.
17 July
Bellingham Medical Check in Dortmund
Jude Bellingham reportedly arrived in Dortmund on Thursday to finalize his move to the BVB this summer. There has long been much speculation that the Birmingham City 17-year-old would transfer to Borussia Dortmund and now it appears the midfielder will be wearing the black and yellow for the 2020-21 Bundesliga season. The transfer fee is expected to be in the neighborhood of €25 million.
Stuttgart to Snatch Dutch Wonderkid?
Kicker is reporting that VfB Stuttgart is close to landing teen sensation Mohamed Sankoh from Stoke City. If the 16-year-old striker chooses the Swabian side, he would be joining their U21 squad, at least initially. With interest from clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Juventus, and Barcelona, Stuttgart would score a major upset should they be able to secure Sankoh’s talents, likely on the strength of being able to offer the clearest path to first-division football for a young player with big aspirations.
Stuttgart Seal Mavropanos Loan
Premier League side Arsenal have confirmed that defender Dinos Mavropanos will be playing in Germany again next season after signing a one-year loan deal at VfB Stuttgart.
The Greek U-21 international spent the last six months with 2. Bundesliga side FC Nürnberg helping them to a dramatic last-gasp escape from relegation. A host of Bundesliga clubs were reportedly interested in signing him this summer but it is the Swabians who have persuaded the 22-year-old to move to the Mercedes-Benz Arena.
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