The 4th Official
·26 March 2020
In partnership with
Yahoo sportsThe 4th Official
·26 March 2020
The ongoing Coronavirus pandemic has seen football halted all across Europe. Bundesliga has been no exception, with the league suspended until the end of April. Germany is currently one of the worst-hit countries in the world, but that hasn’t stopped clubs from being active in the market.
While multiple signings had been made during the January transfer window, several players are set to run out of contract at the end of the season.
Michael Esser joined TSG Hoffenheim as a backup for Oliver Baumann in January. But, his contract expires at the end of the season, which means he will once again become a free agent. Esser has proved himself in the Bundesliga in the past, having made 63 top-flight appearances. He could certainly be an excellent signing for a low-tier club like Paderborn.
By far one of the best right-backs to play in the Bundesliga in the 21st century, Lukasz Piszczek’s contract expires at the end of the season. However, he has remained a first-team regular for the Black and Yellows and is unlikely to stay at the club any further before calling an end to his illustrious career.
It has been a difficult season for Benjamin Stambouli due to a foot injury that has kept him out for the majority of the campaign. Following the success story of Jean-Clair Todibo, the Frenchman might be on his way out of Veltins Arena in the summer, as a free agent.
VfL Wolfsburg has been one of the best defensive teams in the league this season, and a lot of the credit should be given to Robin Knoche. However, the German faces an uncertain future at the club following the arrival of Marin Pongracic.
Oscar Wendt is basically the Piszczek of Borussia Monchengladbach. Indeed, the ageing Swede is one of the long-services players for the Foals, having made 268 competitive appearances. It remains to be seen whether or not the club will make a move to extend his contract, even though it’s unlikely given his age.
Charles Aranguiz has had a mixed time at Bayer Leverkusen since joining the club back in 2015. Following the arrival of Exequiel Palacios in January, things are not looking bright for the Chilean international.
Nuri Sahin is another marquee player who could wave goodbye to the Bundesliga this summer. The Turkish international and the youngest player to make a Bundesliga debut, has failed to make himself a first-team regular at Bremen and a return to Turkey could be on the cards, though there haven’t been any concrete news.
Since his move to FC Schalke in 2017, Daniel Caligiuri proved himself as a utility player for the Royal Blues, and they should look to extend the contract of the ex-Wolfsburg star, especially if they fail to keep Jonjoe Kenny next season.
Hertha Berlin is set to undergo a massive change in the summer, and that could include the goodbye of Salomon Kalou. The former Chelsea star has always been a reliable option for the Old Lady, but at the age of 34, it is time for him to make the next move in his career.
By far the most high-profile player on this list, Borussia Dortmund are poised to wave goodbye to Mario Gotze for the second time. Reports already suggest that the Dortmund hierarchy are ready to let go of the German international, who has been courted by Hertha Berlin. It will be interesting to see if the German remains in the Bundesliga next season.
Vedad Ibisevic could join Kalou in exiting Hertha Berlin in the summer. Much like his strike partner, the Bosnian forward has been one of the longest-serving members of the current Hertha squad, making 150 competitive appearances.