As the Bundesliga gears up for the new season, we at the Bundesliga Fanatic are looking at the players to watch ahead of the new campaign. For each club we bring you one key summer signing to keep an eye out for, as well as one up-and-coming young talent that could make a real impact this season.
Arminia Bielefeld
Key Signing: Nathan de Medina
Bielefeld’s defence was a strength last season (just 30 conceded) as they claimed the 2. Bundesliga title and promotion to the top division, but their back line will be tested in the upcoming season against better opposition. The signing of 22-year-old defender Nathan de Medina from Mouscron in Belgium looks a wise move in that regard.
De Medina is versatile enough to play both in the centre of defence as well as at full back, although last season with Mouscron he was mostly employed as a right back. He is a former Belgian U-19 international, who had been at Mouscron since 2017. He is young, versatile, full of potential and arrives on a free transfer after being pursued by a number of clubs.
“Nathan enjoyed a very good education at Anderlecht and performed well in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League and in the UEFA Youth League. We are happy that he is fully on board with the route we want to take at Arminia Bielefeld and decided to sign with us, “said Arminia Sporting Director Samir Arabi.
Young Star: Jomaine Consbruch
The 18-year-old youth product will be looking to break into Uwe Neuhaus’ first-team plans this season after committing his future to the club. The midfielder impressed during pre-season last year and made his debut on matchday 1 as a late substitute, but unfortunately, that was his only involvement last season for the Arminen.
The central midfielder signed a new contract in December and has been involved already in Bielefeld’s pre-season games.
VfB Stuttgart
Key Signing: Waldemar Anton
The signing of defender Waldemar Anton from Hannover looks a very shrewd move from VfB Stuttgart as they look to cement their place in the Bundesliga. Despite his experience, Anton is just 24 years old and he’ll provide some valuable know-how to the Swabian’s back line.
The former German U-21 international has made 70 Bundesliga appearances and with Holger Badstuber demoted to the second team, Anton looks set to be the defensive cornerstone for Stuttgart trainer Pellegrino Matarazzo this season. At just €4 million, he could well prove an absolute bargain.
VfB sporting director Sven Mislintat told the club’s website: “We’ve been interested in Waldemar Anton for a long time now and are very happy that we could sign him for VfB.
“On top of his footballing ability and leadership qualities, Waldemar already has a lot of experience for someone his age, having played in the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 for Hannover in the past few years. As such, he’s got all the requirements to become an important member of our defensive line.”
Young Star: Darko Churlinov
Stuttgart snapped up 20-year-old Macedonian Churlinov from 1.FC Köln in January and the hope is that he can push on this season and fulfil his undoubted potential. He made his international debut as a 16-year-old back in 2017 and appeared for Köln on matchday 1 last season against Wolfsburg but seemed to fall out of favour when he refused to sign a new contract.
“Darko is a young, talented player who we expect to develop in the coming years and who we regard as a promising talent within our squad” Sporting Director Sven Mislintat explained. “He can play on both wings as well as in defensive and attacking positions. His versatility makes him a sensible acquisition for us.”
Churlinov is most comfortable on the left wing but can play anywhere across the front line as well as in a slightly withdrawn position. He made 6 appearances and scored once in the 2. Bundesliga Rückrunde last season.
