Official | Heidenheim confirm departures of Mikkel Kaufmann and Denis Thomalla | OneFootball

FC Heidenheim CEO Holger Sanwald continues to actively work his January transfer window docket. The Bundesliga boss shed two pieces of dead-weight off his roster in the last 24 hours, with striker Mikkel Kaufmann and attacking midfielder Denis Thomalla departing.

Kaufmann’s return to 2. Bundesliga side Karlsruher SC had long been expected. Heidenheim signed the second division’s leading scorer away from the Fächerstadt earlier this month. Kaufmann replaces departed Georgian striker Budu Zivzivadze.

Kaufmann once started for KSC whilst on loan from FC Copenhagen during the 2022/23 Bundesliga campaign. Impressed with his 20 goal contributions (10 goals and 10 assist) during that season, Union picked him up for a reported €2.7m in July 2023.

Unfortunately, Kaufmann found himself unable to gain any traction in the German top flight. Heidenheim purchased the Dane last Summer as a replacement for Tim Kleindienst. Kaufmann scored no goals in 17 appearances across all competitions.

Kaufmann remains under contract with the Ostalbenstäbler until 2028 and shall only be loaned out on a six-month, short-term arrangement. KSC sporting director Sebastian Freis welcomed a player “familiar with the club, city, and [head-coach] Christian Eischer’s playing style” yesterday.

In other Heidenheim-related transfer news, FCH confirmed the departure of attacking Denis Thomalla today. The veteran sat on an expiring contract. After nine-and-a-half years with the club, the 32-year-old moves to Cypriot side AEL Limassol on a free after his contract was terminated early.

“During the winter transfer window, Denis approached us with this desire to leave,” Sanwald explained in a statement published on the club website. “We fully understand that he is looking for a new challenge after nine years at FCH and only very few appearances recently.

“So much has happened in the last nine years in Heidenheim that I would never have thought possible,” the player himself added, “Promotion to the Bundesliga is a moment that I will never forget a moment I will never forget. These experiences and successes make me incredibly proud.”

Thomalla scored a total of 30 goals in 211 competitive appearances for Heidenheim during his long tenure. The Pforzheim-native made 23 (mostly relief) appearances for Frank Schmidt’s team last season and was only used on four occasions this year.

“My family and I have felt extremely comfortable in Heidenheim over the years,” Thomalla’s statement concluded.

GGFN | Peter Weis