By Ben McFadyean.
Three days into the January transfer window in the top tier there have been a number of deals these include Gift Orban from Olympique Lyon to Hoffenheim, the Nigerian striker was in linked with multiple clubs including Tottenham Hotspurs, the twenty-two-year-old striker has scored thirty-two goals in fifty-two game for KAA Genk.
Orban is considered to be among the outstanding Nigerian talents of his generation, Hoffenheim Sporting director Andreas Schicker will be delighted with securing the signature at a reported cut-price fee of €9m.
In terms of sides which will be looking to benefit from the opportunity to upgrade their roster, this will include Mainz 05. The South-West Germans had struggled against relegation last season but have been the surprise package of Vorrunde.
Under Bo Henriksen, who won the Danish Cup with Midtjylland in 2022. Mainz have conceded the third-fewest goals and are currently in fifth, two points behind the Deutsche Meister in second.
Frankfurt’s progress continues. Finishing sixth in 23/24, Eintracht are up to third at the halfway point. The Diva vom Main have an outstanding goal-scoring record, only Bayern and Leverkusen have scored more. With some additional business a third-place finish is realistic, an achievement not seen since 2012.
In contrast, Dortmund are underperforming. In particular, BVB’s away record is the sixth worst. Manager Sahin has to find a strategy that optimises the quality in the side and needs to improve in key positions to achieve that.
At the opposite end, Hoffenheim, which fired coach Pellegrino Materazzo in November, are down to fifteenth, four points off the relegation. In spite of no longer being in the Europa League, the club, backed by SAP’s Dietmar Hopp, will need to invest to get out of danger.
The transfer window, which opened on the 1st, is an opportunity to change the destinies of the clubs and close in on targets in the Rückrunde. Here is a look at the focus for transfers across the league:
FC Augsburg currently 13th, have replaced sporting director of many years Stefan Reuter with former FC Aarau manager Marinko Jurendic. A legendary player, Reuter took the blame for the under-performance in recent seasons, with the club last qualifying for Europe in 2021. The current transfer budget is a surplus of €22.5m, leaving room for improvement.
The surplus is largely as a result of the sales of Ermedin Demirovic, Arne Engels, and Niklas Dorsch. In terms of underperforming players, the focus will be on defender Noahkai Banks, defensive midfielders Tim Breithaupt, Mahmut Kücüksahin, and winger Masaya Okugara. Offers could be entertained for want-away Swiss international winger Ruben Vargas, and Polish right-back Robert Gumny.
Potential positions manager Jesse Thorup is looking to recruit for are left-back, where Mads Petersen is injured, and centreback Reece Oxford. The Englishman has been missing since July. Additional acquisitions will be considered in defensive midfield and at center-forward. Only Philipp Tietz, with five goals is scoring regularly.
Rumours: Mathys Tel striker Bayern Munich (€30m), Johan Vasquez centreback FC Genoa (€10m)
Bayern Munich are running a transfer budget deficit of €67m. Vincent Kompany’s side has, despite losing only one game, not fully convinced doubters with the lead of just four points at the top at the halfway line. The focus for Sporting director Max Eberl is on resolving the situation of top performers Jamal Musiala, and Alphonso Davies. Renewing the contract for the services of Joshua Kimmich is also key.
The issue of the keepers remains undecided, Manuel Neuer is turning thirty-nine in March, and Sven Ulreich’s contract is running out in June. Daniel Peretz is not an option for the number 1 spot, a long term solution needs to be found.
Striker Thomas Müller is out of contract in 24/25. Florian Wirtz is the primary target, but with a price expected to exceed €150m, and fierce competition from England, this is far from concluded.
Rumours: Theo Hernandez Left-back AC Milan (€50m), Nico William Left-wingers Athletic Bilbao (€70m) and Jamie Gittens BVB (€60m), Right-wing Henrique Carmo Sao Paolo (€1m)
Bayer Leverkusen have a deficit on transfers of €22m. Back-to-back titles remain an achievable target; Odilon Kossounu, a loan to Atalanta, is the only leading players lost from the title-winning side and Alonso’s side are once more in the flow.
However injuries have impacted Winger Amine Adili who is expected to miss out on the restart. Doubts also remain about Jonas Hoffman and top striker Victor Boniface.
The main want-away player is reportedly center-back Jonathan Tah, his contract expires at the end of the season. Dutch winger Jeremie Frimpong is also a player with a number of suitors.
CEO Fernando del Carro has given his fellow Spanish protege manager Alonso his full support with a contract extension until 2026. The club’s deep pockets will be made available to push for back-back titles.
The focus at this time is on bringing in players who can serve in the wingback and fullback roles.
Rumours: Diogo Leite Centrebacks Union Berlin (€17m) and Axel Disasi Chelsea (€30m), Sverre Nypan Midfielder of Rosenborg (€10m), Ferran Torres Right Wing Barcelona (€25m )
Bochum VfL is estimated to be running a transfer surplus of €5m after having invested minimally in the summer. Dieter Hecking, who is the fourth coach this season has to achieve survival in the top tier. The second-leg win in the relegation play-off was far more narrow than the club’s fans would have liked.
On a positive, Goalkeeper Manuel Riemann, who was in a dispute with the club, has had his contract reinstated and is once more available. However, offers could be heard for reserve keeper Paul Grave who is keen to leave the Castroperstrasse.
With 31 players in the squad, VfL are top-heavy. Centrebacks Noah Loosli and Mohammed Tolba have failed to make any appearances. In the midfield, Lennart Koerdt, Lukas Daschner, and Moritz Broni-Kwarteng are all struggling.
A lot will depend on whether the Ruhrgebiet side can remain in the top tier as to whether the contracts of fullbacks Bernardo, Cristian Gamboa, and Felix Passlack will be renewed. Winger Gerrit Holtmann is also underperforming. At thirty-eight, French defensive midfielder Anthony Losilla is considering retirement at 24/25. Positions to improve on include center-forward and the defensive midfield.
Rumours: Goalkeeper Emil Gazdov Pacific FC (€200,000), Centre-forward Rey Manaj Sivasspor (€4m), Defensive midfielder Christoph Kramer last with Borussia Moenchengladbach (€1.2m), Centre-forward Mikael Uhre Philadelphia Union (€4m)
Borussia Dortmund have a transfer deficit of €47m but are well in a position to spend on the squad, they will need to focus on key positions as the competition for top four is ferocious.
Sporting director Sebastian Kehl, managing director Lars Ricken, and squad planner Sven Mislintat have the task in the January window of shoring up an injury-hit defence hit by injuries and offload poor performers.
With Dortmund likely to be among the clubs progressing in the Champions League, even without the burden of the Pokal, the current roster of 24 has put Nuri Sahin under pressure with little room for rotation.
German newspaper, Bild, reported that Dortmund have set a transfer budget of €15m for the window.
The Schwarz-Gelben go into the winter break in sixth after struggling for most of the first half of the season, especially away from home.
Reinforcements in defence, particularly at centre-back and full-back, are a priority. The ideal situation would be to sign a player like Julian Ryerson, who can play as either a right-back or left-back.
Players about which there are doubts in terms of their contribution are Gio Reyna and Niklas Süle, both of which are not matching their salaries with their performances.
There are also doubts about Yan Couto, who has not contributed as expected so far. Loanees Salih Özcan, Sébastien Haller and Youssoufa Moukoko are among those that they could look to offload.
Although a number of younger players, including winger Cole Campell, midfielder Kjell Wätjen, and left-back Almugera Kabar of the U23s, have shown promise in their first-team appearances which shows promise.
BVB have conceded 22 goals in the Vorrunde. The defence is injury-hit. Ramy Bensebaini, and Niklas Süle are currently out. Reinforcing central midfield is also a pressing need.
There has been transfer interest including Karim Adeyemi, who has had an outstanding season, and English winger Jamie Gittens. Donyell Malen is also in demand, especially reportedly from Aston Villa.
Rumours: Olympique Lyon’s Rayan Cherki (€30m), Central midfielder Sverre Nypan of Rosenborg (€10m), €12m rated Hoffenheim central midfielder Tom Bischof. For loans Chelsea attacking midfielder Christopher Nkunku (€50m) and central midfielder Enzo Millot of VfB Stuttgart (€50m).
Eintracht Frankfurt have a carried-over surplus of €13.2 million. The side managed by Dino Toppmöller is in an impressive position but shouldn’t be among the contenders. Incoming transfers that have impressed are Can Uzun, Nathaniel Brown, Arthur Theate, and also Mo Dahoud.
In contrast, left-back Niels Nkounkou and centrebacks Auréle Amenda and Jerome Onguené are among the squad who are underperforming. Attacking midfielder Krisztián Lisztes, and winger Jean Manuel Bahoya could also leave. Renewing the contract of US international right-back Timothy Chandler should be a priority.
With progression in the Europa League in sight, the club will seek to improve the defence. With a right-back and center-back the focus. The club is in a good financial position to invest after selling Randal Kolo Muani, Willian Pacho, and Jesper Lindstrøm which brought in €150m between them.
Rumours: Right-back Max Aarons AFC Bournemouth (€16m), Centreback Finn Jeltsch 1 FC Nuremberg (€5m), Winger Ruben Vargas Augsburg (€7m), center-forwards Arnaud Kalimuendo Stade Rennes (€20m) and Jonathan Burkardt Wacker Innsbruck (€2m)
Freiburg SC have an estimated surplus of €1 million and are well-positioned to strengthen the side. Currently, in ninth place, Die Breisgauer should be a realistic prospect for Europe. The transition from manager Christian Streich to Julian Schuster has provided stability but not more. Underperforming players could be sold, including left-back Jordy Marengo, right-back Kiliann Sildillia, defensive midfielder Johan Manzambi, and Florent Muslija.
Attacking midfielder Maximilian Philipp could be surplus to requirements at the Europa Park.
If the side is to finish in the top seven, it needs to improve the midfield, both defensively and offensively, and seek an improvement on the right wing.
Rumours: Centreback Terry Yegbe Elfsborg (€2.5m), Defensive midfielder Santiago Casteneda SC Paderborn (€2m), Defensive midfielder Anthony Dennis Goeztepe (€2.5m), Defensive midfielder Daniel Elfadli Hamburger SV €2.5m), Attacking midfielder Sebastian Szymanski Fernebahce (€17.5m), Centre-forward Fisnik Asllani SV Elversberg (€3m), Centre-forward Rayan Phillipe Eintracht Braunschweig (€3m)
1 FC Heidenheim have a transfer surplus of +€9m. 23/24 was a fantastic first season which led to a European place. The additional burden of the Conference League though has shown the limitations.
The loss of leading scorers Tim Kleindienst, Eren Dinkçi, and striker Jan Niklas Beste has yet to be compensated. Only Marvin Pieringer scores regularly in attack, and he has just four goals on his account. Improving the strike force is vital if the side want to continue their top tier journey in 25/26.
In terms of underperformers, US international defender Lennard Maloney, one of the best in the 23/24 season, is currently out injured and is out of contract in June.
The side’s defensive performances in the first half have been underwhelming with thirty-three goals conceded.
In particular there is an opening among the goalkeepers with Kevin Müller’s contract running out, and reserve keepers Vitus Eicher and Paul Tschernuth both failing to cement their places in the side. Centreback Tim Siersleben is also a player who could be on the way out.
The focus for renewals is on the contracts of defensive midfielder Norman Theuerkauf, Jan Schöppner, and attacking midfielder Denis Thomalla.
Rumours: Goalkeeper Christian Früchtl US Lecce (€1.5m), Defensive midfielder Santiago Castaneda Hansa Rostock (€2m), Centre-forward Ryan Naderi Hansa Rostock (€0.2m), Winger Julian Hettwer Borussia Dortmund U23s (€1.5m)
TSG Hoffenheim have an overspend of €27m but remain precariously balanced in fifteenth, just four points above relegation. The Sinnsheimer will need the support of SAP founder Dietmar Hopp to add the much-needed improvements.
There is little stability in the side after the sudden replacement of manager Pelegrino Materazzo which has caused consternation among fans.The decision to sack former player Managing director Alexander Rosen, who had been in place for fourteen years, also left observers questioning the state of play at the TSG.
Among the players who could be dropped are players who have made substantial contributions in past seasons including versatile defensive all-rounder Florian Grillitsch and central midfielder Finn Ole Becker.
New arrival Czech center-back Robin Hranac has made little impact, as has midfielder Florian Micheler. Striker Max Moerstadt is also a player the club could be open to offers for.
A priority will be to secure extensions for Andrej Kramaric and right-back Pavel Kaderabek who have been among the best performers this season. Winger Jacob Bruun Larsen and attacking midfielder Tom Bischof should also be in line for extensions.
The defence with twenty-eight goals conceded so far. The offensive midfield, wings, and forward line are also under consideration for recruitment.
Rumours: Right-back Omar Haktab Traoré Heidenheim (€4m), Centre-forward Tim Lemperle FC Cologne (€5m), Midfielder William Bøving Sturm Graz (€5m).
Holstein Kiel have a transfer budget minus of €5 m and are currently in a dangerous seventeenth. The one-time Meister are in need of updating the squad to give them a chance of more elite football at Germany’s most Northern top tier side next season.
The focus for manager Tim Walter is on the defence. Both centrebacks Timo Becker and Colin Kleine- Bekel are out with injuries. Having conceded thirty-eight goals in the first half of the season, the Storks are the whipping boys of the league. They will be looking for a solid left-back to compliment Slovenia international defender David Zec. A winger for the right side is also on the cards.
In terms of players which have not made their mark these include leftback Tymoteusz Puchacz, centreback Marco Komenda, midfielder Aurel Wagbe and winger Andu Yobel Kelati. Former Tottenham midfielder Lewis Holtby and defensive midfielder Marvin Schulz are the focus for contract renewal.
Rumours: Centre-back Botond Balogh Parma (€2.5m), Centre-forward Ivan Prtajin Union Berlin €2.5m)
Leipzig RB are once more among the best in transfers. They have a surplus of €34m. Currently in fourth place, the two-time DFB Pokal winners are under pressure from rampant Eintracht and Mainz 05. The Rote Bullen will need to improve the side if they want to remain in contention.
Replacing playmaker Dani Olmo, who remains a debacle for Barcelona and has been unable to register the player remains a priority. The long-term absence of key performers attacking midfielder Xavi Simons, defender Benjamin Heinrichs, and Danish striker Yussuf Poulsen are a concern. Players who will be on the market include attacking midfielders Vigo Gebel, Macedonia international Eljif Elmas, and striker Andre Silva.
Rumours: Right-back Amar Dedic RB Salzburg (€15m), Centreback Abdukodir Khusanov Lens (€15m), Right-back Oscar Mingueza Celta Vigo (€20m), striker Randal Kolo Muani PSG (€30m)
Mainz 05 register a transfer surplus of €27.5m. Bo Henriksen, who led Union St Gilloise to the Belgian cup, is building a side on the back of an outstanding defence. The backline in particular of Stefan Bell, Maxim Leitsch and Danny Da Costa is one of the most effective in the league and have conceded only 20 goals in the first seventeen games.
CEO Christian Heidel, who celebrates his tenth season in charge of the club this year, has made good decisions in the transfer market and the sides progression to a European candidate has been impressive.
In terms of the transfer window the club are looking for winger for the left side, a further striker is also being sought. Whilst eleven players across the team have scored, there is still too much reliance on Jonathan Burkhardt.
Players for which the club will be looking for offers include right-back Nikolas Veratschnig, centre-back Maxim Dal and centre-forward Nelson Weiper.
A focus for contract renewals will be on keeper Daniel Batz. Veteran Aymen Bartok is expected to be allowed to leave.
Rumours: Centreback Taha Altikardes Goeztepe (€5.5m), Defensive midfielder Daniel Elfadli Hamburger SV (€2.5m), Centre-forward Kaly Séne Lausanne (€2.5m)
Borussia Mönchengladbach have a transfer deficit of €7.7m but will need to invest to keep progressing upwards.
In Gerardo Seoane Die Fohlenelf have a manager with a steady hand. Top performers currently include Tim Kleindienst and Alassane Plea, who are in demand from competitors. Rocco Reitz and Julian Weigl are also among the player the club will want to secure long-term.
The Rheinlander will in contrast be open to offers for players including keeper Jan Olschowsky, left-back Luca Netz, centreback Fabio Chiarodia, central midfielder Niklas Swider, attacking midfielder Yvandro Borges Sanches, and center-forwards Grant-Leon Ramos and Shio Fukuda, who have failed to register so far.
In terms of the focus for reinforcements an improvement at center-back, left-back, plus an additional winger is the focus.
Rumours: Left-back Bernardo VFL Bochum (€5m), Centrebacks Kevin Diks FC Copenhagen (€5m) and Niel Pierre Philadelphia Union II, Defensive midfielder Santiago Castenda SC Paderborn (€2m), Left-winger Ruben Vargas FC Augsburg (€5m), Centre-forward Fisnik Asllani SV Elversberg (€2m), Centre-forward Nathan Butler Oyedeji Arsenal (€0.1m).
FC St Pauli with an estimated transfer budget of—€0.3m, the Hamburg-based club face the primary task of staying up. After losing Fabian Hürzeler to Brighton, the role of managing the side was turned over to Alexander Blessin who impressively won the Belgian Cup in 2023 with Union St Gilloise.
The team are in fourteenth, and if they add to the roster they could well see a further season of top-tier football.
The club from the Millerntor are looking at additional goalkeeper options, with neither Sören Ahlers nor Sascha Burchert are looking like long-term options based on current performance.
Scotland U21 winger Scott Banks has also failed to make the grade. Right-back Fin Stevens, formerly of Brentford, has also not made a single appearance. The club are also reported to be open to offers for attacking midfielder Erik Ahlstrand.
Strikers Maurides and veteran Simon Zoller. Centreback Muhammed Dahaba could go on loan if offers are received.
The club will be looking for players in defensive and attacking midfield and on both wings.
Rumours: Defensive midfielder Aljoscha Kemlein Union Berlin (€7m), Centre-forward Ivan Prtajin Union Berlin (€1.5m), Centre-forwards Leonardo Rocha Radomiak (€1.5m) and Abdoulie Ceesay Paide (€1.5m)
VfB Stuttgart have an estimated transfer surplus of €8.5 million. Sebastian Hoeneß is a coach who is in high demand.
The club’s ability to manage the losses of Serhou Guirassy, Waldemar Anton, and Hiroki Ito and still keep improving has been impressive.
The Swabian side has a number of underperforming players. Surprisingly, these include Ermedin Demirovic and Jeff Chabot. The injury-prone Dan-Axel Zagadou and Ameen Al-Dakhil have also been concerns.
Players for which the club could listen to offers include left-back Frans Krätzig, central midfielder Nikolas Nartey, winger Luca Raimund, and striker Thomas Kastanaras.
The club’s European journey continues, and they are looking to improve the defence, in particular at left and center back. The focus is also on attacking midfield, and on the right-wing.
Rumours: Left-back Max Finkgräfe FC Cologne (€4m), Defensive midfielder Anthony Dennis Goeztepe (€1.3m), central midfielder Jakub Moder Brighton Hove & Albion (€10m), Attacking midfielder Ibrahim Maza Hertha Berlin (€12m), Left-winger Jacob Bruun Larsen Hoffenheim (€6m), Left-winger Darnell Eric Bile Asteras Aktor (€0.3m).
Werder Bremen have a small transfer deficit of €1.1 million. Currently, in seventh, the club from the Weser have achieved quite a turnaround. Manager Ole Werner is playing an attractive style of football, and they have the prospect of a Pokal quarterfinal against third-tier Arminia Bielefeld ahead.
Whilst Jens Stage, Marco Grüll, and Derrick Köhn have impressed, doubts have arisen about left-back Olivier Deman and center-back Julian Malatini. At this time, Wingers Leon Opitz and Abednego Nankishi are on the margins.
The contracts of center-back Milos Veljkovic, who turns thirty-four later this season, and Anthony Jung are yet to be decided.
Scottish Striker Oliver Burke may also be among the under-performing players for whom offers will be heard. Veteran Leonardo Bittencourt has only made nine appearances and offers may also be heard.
The club is seeking candidates for center-back, attacking midfielder, center-forward, and winger.
Rumours: Left-backs Jordy Marengo SC Freiburg (€3m), Left-winger Linton Maina FC Cologne (€3m).
Union Berlin have a transfer surplus of +€2.7 million, but managing director Horst Heldt has made the fight for league survival harder by burning through four coaches in just over a year. This includes the much-lauded Bo Svensson who led Mainz 05 out of the relegation zone and appeared to be a perfect candidate but it hasn’t worked out.
In twelfth, Die Eisernen have appointed Stefan Baumgart as manager after his dismissal at Hamburger SV.
Underperforming players include striker Kevin Volland, who was brought in to give leadership to the side. Left-back Jerome Roussillon has not yet impressed.
Players for which the club may listen to offers for include winger David Preu, central midfielder Lucas Tousart, and centre-forward Ivan Prtajin. Among the focus for contract extensions s is midfielder Rani Khedira and right-back Christopher Trimmel.
The club are looking to upgrade the midfield, the right, wing, and at center-forward.
Thanks to the recent income-generating promotions involving fans taking stakes in the ground, the club have the means to upgrade to stay up.
Rumours: Defensive midfielders Santiago Castaneda Paderborn (€2m) and Danil Elfadli Hamburger SV(€2.5m ), Central Midfielder Jens Castrop 1 FC Nuremberg (€2m), Attacking midfielder Dejan Ljubicic FC Cologne (€5m).
VFL Wolfsburg have a current transfer deficit of €10m. With a top heavy thirty-one players on the roster, manager Ralph Hasenhüttl has room to maneuver, even taking into account the additional burden of the Pokal. The VW-backed club are on the way up and showing promise a top ten finish.
Center-forward Mohammed Amoura, the fullback pairing Konstantinos Koulierakis and Denis Vavro, and Poland international goalkeeper Kamil Grabara were admirable transfer business.
In contrast, players which could be of interest to competitors include Brazilian left-back Rogerio, centrebacks Cedric Zesigner and David Odogu, and Mathys Angely.
Sporting director Jörg Schmadtke’s priority will be renew the contracts of winger Ridle Baku and center-forward Lukas Nmecha.
Question marks remain about the reserve keeper positions with Niklas Klinger not showing his worth in 24/25. Pavao Pervan is also looking at retirement at the end of the season.
Depending on transfers, the club may add in the left-of-midfield and on the wing.
Rumours: Midfielder William Bøving Sturm Graz (€5m), Attacking midfielder Muhammed Damar SV Elversberg (€2m), Defensive midfielder Bazoumana Touré Hammarby (€9m).
Overall, at both ends of the table, there will be transfer moves across the league and plenty of football news to look out for in January.
The Premier League clubs spent a combined €815m in the January transfer window in 22/23, and in spite of a 60% reduction last season, their clubs will be fierce competition for Europe’s top targets.
The Saudi league also remains a top destination, their clubs spent €972m in 22/23. La Liga, Ligue 1, and Serie A clubs have spent just €45m in the last three days but they cannot be underestimated.
Deals already confirmed before the opening of the market were
- Karim Onisiwo from Mainz to RB Salzburg.
- Centre-forward Alejo Sarco of Vélez Sarsfield has joined Bayer Leverkusen.
- Bayern have recalled Frans Krätzig from VfB Stuttgart.
- Jens Petter Hauge has been recalled from Bodø/Glimt by Eintracht Frankfurt.
- St Pauli have acquired James Sands on loan from New York City FC.
- Isak Hansen-Aarøen has joined Bremen from Aalborg on loan.
- Former Liverpool star Naby Keïta who has made no impact at Werder has gone on loan to Ferencvaros.
- Striker Budu Zivzivadze has joined Heidenheim from Karlsruher SC.
The volume of transfers in the German league is likely to be down on 23/24 overall in January due to the economic downturn, but with well-funded clubs like Hoffenheim and Borussia Dortmund in immediate need of impact players, the next three and a half weeks will bring key tactical changes to look out for.
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